SETM vs VXUS
Sprott Critical Materials ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SETM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SETM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $588M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.58% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 127 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.99% | +14.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.75% | +25.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.63% | +19.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SETM vs VXUS Performance
Sprott Critical Materials ETF (SETM) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SETM returned +63.75% while VXUS returned +25.63%. Year to date, SETM is up 14.99% versus a gain of 14.98% for VXUS.
Over three years, SETM compounded at +28.63% per year against +19.65% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, SETM has the edge at +18.61% annualized vs +4.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SETM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.5% 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 -41.8% for SETM 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
SETM charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SETM currently yields 1.58% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SETM and VXUS share 50 holdings out of 7974 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SETM or VXUS?
SETM has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SETM or VXUS?
Over the past year SETM returned +63.75% vs +25.63% for VXUS, so SETM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SETM annualized +18.61% vs +4.87% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SETM or VXUS?
SETM has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SETM -41.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SETM and VXUS?
SETM 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 SETM and VXUS?
SETM and VXUS share 50 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7974 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SETM or VXUS?
SETM yields 1.58% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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