OUSM vs VXUS

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

MetricOUSMVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.48%0.05%
AUM$900M$156.5B
Dividend Yield1.84%2.60%
Holdings1098,747
YTD Return+14.84%+14.57%
1Y Return+17.76%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.78%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.86%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)17.1%15.1%
Max Drawdown-40.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyALPS AdvisorsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 30, 2016Jan 26, 2011

OUSM vs VXUS Performance

O Shares US Small-Cap Quality Dividend ETF (OUSM) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OUSM returned +17.76% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, OUSM is up 14.84% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, OUSM compounded at +12.78% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.86% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, OUSM has the edge at +8.64% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

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 1.84% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

OUSM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7969 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, OUSM or VXUS?

OUSM has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.

Which performed better, OUSM or VXUS?

Over the past year OUSM returned +17.76% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), OUSM annualized +8.64% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between OUSM and VXUS?

OUSM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7969 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, OUSM or VXUS?

OUSM yields 1.84% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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