NORW vs VXUS
Global X MSCI Norway ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. NORW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NORW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $89M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.21% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +29.30% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.62% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.52% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.91% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 9, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NORW vs VXUS Performance
Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NORW returned +37.62% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, NORW is up 29.30% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, NORW compounded at +22.52% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.91% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, NORW has the edge at +7.15% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NORW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -42.6% for NORW 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NORW charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NORW currently yields 7.21% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NORW and VXUS share 34 holdings out of 7895 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NORW or VXUS?
NORW has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NORW or VXUS?
Over the past year NORW returned +37.62% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so NORW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NORW annualized +7.15% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NORW or VXUS?
NORW has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NORW -42.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NORW and VXUS?
NORW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NORW and VXUS?
NORW and VXUS share 34 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7895 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NORW or VXUS?
NORW yields 7.21% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so NORW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.