OUSM vs VXUS
O Shares US Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, OUSM or VXUS?
Small Cap Blend against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y 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 | OUSM | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $835M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 109 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +8.18% | +14.94%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.75% | +21.99%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.98% | +20.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.11% | +9.48%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -40.0% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,768 | $15,728Best |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 30, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 30, 2016 to Sep 22, 2026 (9.7 years).
OUSM vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9.7 years both funds cover.
OUSM vs VXUS Performance
O Shares US Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF (OUSM) is an ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OUSM returned +6.75% while VXUS returned +21.99%. Year to date, OUSM is up 8.18% versus a gain of 14.94% for VXUS.
Over three years, OUSM compounded at +11.98% per year against +20.89% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.11% and +9.48% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +8.71% annualized vs +7.85%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
OUSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -40.0% for OUSM and -39.9% 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OUSM charges 0.48% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $5 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OUSM currently yields 2.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 108 holdings in OUSM and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 99.8% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 108 positions we hold weights for in OUSM and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 109 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of OUSM and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OUSM or VXUS?
OUSM has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $43 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, OUSM or VXUS?
Over the past year OUSM returned +6.75% vs +21.99% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), OUSM annualized +7.85% vs +8.71% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, OUSM or VXUS?
OUSM has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: OUSM -40.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both OUSM and VXUS?
OUSM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, OUSM or VXUS?
OUSM yields 2.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than OUSM?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.