OVL vs VXUS
Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OVL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $347M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.15% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.97% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.03% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.66% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.00% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Overlay Shares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
OVL vs VXUS Performance
Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF (OVL) is a ETF from Overlay Shares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OVL returned +18.03% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, OVL is up 8.97% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, OVL compounded at +20.66% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.00% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, OVL has the edge at +16.54% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
OVL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -35.5% for OVL 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
OVL charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OVL currently yields 7.15% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
OVL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 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, OVL or VXUS?
OVL has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OVL or VXUS?
Over the past year OVL returned +18.03% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), OVL annualized +16.54% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OVL or VXUS?
OVL has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: OVL -35.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both OVL and VXUS?
OVL 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 OVL and VXUS?
OVL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, OVL or VXUS?
OVL yields 7.15% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so OVL 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.