SEA vs VXUS
US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $16M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.17% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +38.20% | +14.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.27% | +25.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.49% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ETF Series Solutions | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SEA vs VXUS Performance
US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA) is a ETF from ETF Series Solutions and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEA returned +44.27% while VXUS returned +25.40%. Year to date, SEA is up 38.20% versus a gain of 14.26% for VXUS.
Over three years, SEA compounded at +22.49% per year against +20.47% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, SEA has the edge at +11.48% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.8% 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 -39.5% for SEA 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEA charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEA currently yields 5.17% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SEA and VXUS share 11 holdings out of 7888 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SEA or VXUS?
SEA has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEA or VXUS?
Over the past year SEA returned +44.27% vs +25.40% for VXUS, so SEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SEA annualized +11.48% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEA or VXUS?
SEA has been the more volatile fund at 24.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SEA -39.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SEA and VXUS?
SEA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEA and VXUS?
SEA and VXUS share 11 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7888 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEA or VXUS?
SEA yields 5.17% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so SEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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