RWJ vs VXUS
Invesco S&P SmallCap 600 Revenue ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. RWJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RWJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 606 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +22.85% | +13.91% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.41% | +25.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.74% | +19.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.92% | +8.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.8% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 19, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RWJ vs VXUS Performance
Invesco S&P SmallCap 600 Revenue ETF (RWJ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RWJ returned +27.41% while VXUS returned +25.90%. Year to date, RWJ is up 22.85% versus a gain of 13.91% for VXUS.
Over three years, RWJ compounded at +17.74% per year against +19.76% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.92% and +8.82% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, RWJ has the edge at +11.70% annualized vs +4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RWJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.8% compared with 15.0% 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 -56.3% for RWJ 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RWJ 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, RWJ currently yields 0.99% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RWJ and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 8654 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RWJ or VXUS?
RWJ 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, RWJ or VXUS?
Over the past year RWJ returned +27.41% vs +25.90% for VXUS, so RWJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RWJ annualized +11.70% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RWJ or VXUS?
RWJ has been the more volatile fund at 24.8% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RWJ -56.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RWJ and VXUS?
RWJ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RWJ and VXUS?
RWJ and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8654 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RWJ or VXUS?
RWJ yields 0.99% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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