RLY vs VXUS
State Street Multi-Asset Real Return 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 | RLY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.43% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.78% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.41% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.97% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RLY vs VXUS Performance
State Street Multi-Asset Real Return ETF (RLY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RLY returned +26.78% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, RLY is up 15.43% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, RLY compounded at +13.41% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.97% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.5% for RLY. 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 -46.2% for RLY 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RLY charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RLY currently yields 3.20% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RLY and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7865 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, RLY or VXUS?
RLY has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RLY or VXUS?
Over the past year RLY returned +26.78% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), RLY annualized +3.34% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RLY or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.5% for RLY. Worst drawdown: RLY -46.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RLY and VXUS?
RLY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RLY and VXUS?
RLY and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RLY or VXUS?
RLY yields 3.20% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so RLY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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