MTUM vs VXUS
iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MTUM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MTUM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $25.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +25.16% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.10% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.47% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.03% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MTUM vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MTUM returned +29.10% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, MTUM is up 25.16% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, MTUM compounded at +30.47% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.03% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, MTUM has the edge at +15.18% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MTUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -34.1% for MTUM 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MTUM charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MTUM currently yields 0.54% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MTUM and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7987 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MTUM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BG | 0.07% | 0.03% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MTUM or VXUS?
MTUM has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MTUM or VXUS?
Over the past year MTUM returned +29.10% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so MTUM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), MTUM annualized +15.18% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MTUM or VXUS?
MTUM has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MTUM -34.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MTUM and VXUS?
MTUM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MTUM and VXUS?
MTUM and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7987 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MTUM or VXUS?
MTUM yields 0.54% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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