PIO vs VXUS
PIO vs VXUS
Invesco Global Water 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 | PIO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $271M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.24% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.94% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.54% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.18% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 13, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PIO vs VXUS Performance
Invesco Global Water ETF (PIO) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PIO returned +4.94% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PIO is up 5.24% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PIO compounded at +9.54% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.18% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PIO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -65.4% for PIO 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PIO charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIO currently yields 0.90% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PIO and VXUS share 21 holdings out of 7877 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PIO | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6361:TK | 8.86% | 0.04% | 8.82% |
| SBSP3:BV | 8.33% | 0.03% | 8.30% |
| VIE:PA | 4.04% | 0.06% | 3.98% |
| HLMA:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| STN:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 0QQ2:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 021240:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 6368:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 6370:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BEAN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PIO shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PIO or VXUS?
PIO has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PIO or VXUS?
Over the past year PIO returned +4.94% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PIO annualized +3.67% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PIO or VXUS?
PIO has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PIO -65.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PIO and VXUS?
PIO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PIO and VXUS?
PIO and VXUS share 21 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7877 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PIO or VXUS?
PIO yields 0.90% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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