RAYJ vs VXUS
Rayliant SMDAM Japan 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RAYJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $24M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.76% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.69% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Rayliant Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 4, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RAYJ vs VXUS Performance
Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF (RAYJ) is a ETF from Rayliant Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RAYJ returned +23.69% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, RAYJ is up 15.34% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RAYJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -16.6% for RAYJ 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RAYJ charges 0.72% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $5 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RAYJ currently yields 4.76% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RAYJ and VXUS share 22 holdings out of 7879 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RAYJ or VXUS?
RAYJ has an expense ratio of 0.72% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RAYJ or VXUS?
Over the past year RAYJ returned +23.69% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RAYJ annualized +20.92% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RAYJ or VXUS?
RAYJ has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RAYJ -16.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RAYJ and VXUS?
RAYJ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RAYJ and VXUS?
RAYJ and VXUS share 22 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7879 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RAYJ or VXUS?
RAYJ yields 4.76% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so RAYJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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