MUSQ vs VXUS
MUSQ Global Music Industry Index ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, MUSQ or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MUSQ | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $21M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.71% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 81 | 8,844 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 12.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1% | -13.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.3 years | $10,368 | $16,661Best |
| Fund Family | Exchange Traded Concepts Trust | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 10 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. MUSQ has data through Oct 20, 2026 and VXUS through Oct 30, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 7, 2023 to Oct 20, 2026 (3.3 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MUSQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% compared with 12.3% 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 -23.1% for MUSQ and -13.6% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUSQ charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUSQ currently yields 0.71% against 2.34% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 28.2% of MUSQ's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 91.3% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
MUSQ and VXUS share little of their money.
8 positions in common, counted across the 26 positions we hold weights for in MUSQ and 8,425 in VXUS, against full books of 81 and 8,844.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MUSQ | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UMG:ASUniversal Music Group NV | 7.17% | 0.04% | 7.13% |
| EVD:MUCts Eventim Ag & Co Kgaa | 5.62% | 0.01% | 5.61% |
| 035900:KRJyp Entertainment Corp | 4.75% | 0.00% | 4.75% |
| 352820:KRHybe Co Ltd | 4.53% | 0.01% | 4.52% |
| 122870:KRYg Entertainment Inc | 3.55% | 0.00% | 3.55% |
| 6758:JPSony Group Corp. | 0.96% | 0.32% | 0.64% |
| 4337:JPPia Corp | 0.82% | 0.00% | 0.82% |
| 2439:TWMerry Electronics Co., Ltd. | 0.81% | 0.00% | 0.81% |
28.2% of MUSQ is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MUSQ or VXUS?
MUSQ has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $70 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, MUSQ or VXUS?
MUSQ has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 12.3% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MUSQ -23.1% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both MUSQ and VXUS?
MUSQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between MUSQ and VXUS?
At least 28.2% of MUSQ's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 8 positions in common, counted across the 26 positions we hold weights for in MUSQ and 8,425 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUSQ or VXUS?
MUSQ yields 0.71% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than MUSQ?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.