Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMSTWVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.99%0.05%
AUM$36M$156.5B
Dividend Yield422.04%2.60%
Holdings38,747
YTD Return-58.75%+14.57%
1Y Return-87.23%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)75.0%15.1%
Max Drawdown-89.1%-39.9%
Fund FamilyRoundhill InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 24, 2025Jan 26, 2011

MSTW vs VXUS Performance

Roundhill MSTR WeeklyPay ETF (MSTW) is a ETF from Roundhill Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTW returned -87.23% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MSTW is down 58.75% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MSTW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 75.0% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -89.1% for MSTW and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MSTW charges 0.99% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $5 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTW currently yields 422.04% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MSTW and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MSTW or VXUS?

MSTW has an expense ratio of 0.99% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MSTW or VXUS?

Over the past year MSTW returned -87.23% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MSTW annualized -86.77% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MSTW or VXUS?

MSTW has been the more volatile fund at 75.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MSTW -89.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both MSTW and VXUS?

MSTW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MSTW and VXUS?

MSTW and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MSTW or VXUS?

MSTW yields 422.04% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MSTW currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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