RODE vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRODEVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.29%0.05%
AUM$17M$156.5B
Dividend Yield6.06%2.60%
Holdings3178,747
YTD Return+0.73%+14.57%
1Y Return-0.70%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.26%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+7.23%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)15.4%15.1%
Max Drawdown-36.7%-39.9%
Fund FamilyHartford FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 10, 2017Jan 26, 2011

RODE vs VXUS Performance

Hartford Multifactor Diversified International ETF (RODE) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RODE returned -0.70% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, RODE is up 0.73% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, RODE compounded at +7.26% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.23% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +4.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

RODE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -36.7% for RODE 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RODE charges 0.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $5 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RODE currently yields 6.06% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, RODE or VXUS?

RODE has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.

Which performed better, RODE or VXUS?

Over the past year RODE returned -0.70% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), RODE annualized +4.60% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RODE or VXUS?

RODE has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RODE -36.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both RODE and VXUS?

RODE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

Which pays a higher dividend, RODE or VXUS?

RODE yields 6.06% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so RODE currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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