POWR vs VXUS
iShares US Power Infrastructure 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 | POWR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $463M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.79% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.78% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.14% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.50% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.93% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
POWR vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Power Infrastructure ETF (POWR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year POWR returned +19.14% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, POWR is up 13.78% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, POWR compounded at +8.50% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +16.93% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +2.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
POWR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -72.1% for POWR 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
POWR charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, POWR currently yields 5.79% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
POWR and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7937 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, POWR or VXUS?
POWR has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, POWR or VXUS?
Over the past year POWR returned +19.14% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), POWR annualized +2.22% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, POWR or VXUS?
POWR has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: POWR -72.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both POWR and VXUS?
POWR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between POWR and VXUS?
POWR and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7937 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, POWR or VXUS?
POWR yields 5.79% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so POWR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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