SGOV vs VXUS
iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond 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 | SGOV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $99.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 23 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.85% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.55% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.53% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.62% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 26, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SGOV vs VXUS Performance
iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (SGOV) 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 SGOV returned +3.55% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SGOV is up 1.85% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SGOV compounded at +4.53% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.62% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 0.7% for SGOV. 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 -0.3% for SGOV 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 0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGOV charges 0.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGOV currently yields 3.85% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SGOV and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SGOV or VXUS?
SGOV has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGOV or VXUS?
Over the past year SGOV returned +3.55% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SGOV annualized +2.91% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGOV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.7% for SGOV. Worst drawdown: SGOV -0.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SGOV and VXUS?
SGOV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SGOV and VXUS?
SGOV and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGOV or VXUS?
SGOV yields 3.85% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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