PIEQ vs VXUS
Principal International 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 | PIEQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.19% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.43% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.23% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PIEQ vs VXUS Performance
Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PIEQ returned +22.23% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PIEQ is up 9.43% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.9% for PIEQ. 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 -15.2% for PIEQ 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PIEQ 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, PIEQ currently yields 1.19% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PIEQ and VXUS share 25 holdings out of 7875 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PIEQ or VXUS?
PIEQ 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, PIEQ or VXUS?
Over the past year PIEQ returned +22.23% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PIEQ annualized +24.75% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PIEQ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.9% for PIEQ. Worst drawdown: PIEQ -15.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PIEQ and VXUS?
PIEQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PIEQ and VXUS?
PIEQ and VXUS share 25 common holdings with a 5.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7875 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PIEQ or VXUS?
PIEQ yields 1.19% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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