RWO vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate 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 | RWO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.23% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 245 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.29% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.08% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.38% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.02% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 7, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RWO vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF (RWO) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RWO returned +17.08% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, RWO is up 12.29% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, RWO compounded at +10.38% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.02% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.88% annualized vs +0.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -69.6% for RWO 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RWO 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, RWO currently yields 3.23% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RWO and VXUS share 99 holdings out of 7987 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RWO or VXUS?
RWO 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, RWO or VXUS?
Over the past year RWO returned +17.08% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RWO annualized +0.95% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RWO or VXUS?
RWO has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RWO -69.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RWO and VXUS?
RWO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RWO and VXUS?
RWO and VXUS share 99 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7987 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RWO or VXUS?
RWO yields 3.23% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so RWO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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