RXI vs VXUS
iShares Global Consumer Discretionary 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 | RXI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $249M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 151 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.67% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.34% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.85% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.14% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RXI vs VXUS Performance
iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF (RXI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RXI returned +9.34% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, RXI is up 0.67% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, RXI compounded at +10.85% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.14% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, RXI has the edge at +7.54% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -62.0% for RXI 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RXI 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, RXI currently yields 1.47% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RXI and VXUS share 46 holdings out of 7947 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RXI or VXUS?
RXI 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, RXI or VXUS?
Over the past year RXI returned +9.34% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RXI annualized +7.54% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RXI or VXUS?
RXI has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RXI -62.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RXI and VXUS?
RXI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RXI and VXUS?
RXI and VXUS share 46 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7947 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RXI or VXUS?
RXI yields 1.47% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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