PHO vs VXUS
Invesco Water Resources 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PHO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.58% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.90% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.32% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.84% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.86% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PHO vs VXUS Performance
Invesco Water Resources ETF (PHO) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PHO returned -0.32% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, PHO is up 1.90% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, PHO compounded at +8.84% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.86% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, PHO has the edge at +7.85% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -55.8% for PHO 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHO charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHO currently yields 0.58% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PHO and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7908 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHO or VXUS?
PHO has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHO or VXUS?
Over the past year PHO returned -0.32% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PHO annualized +7.85% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHO or VXUS?
PHO has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PHO -55.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PHO and VXUS?
PHO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PHO and VXUS?
PHO and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7908 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHO or VXUS?
PHO yields 0.58% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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