SHLD vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSHLDVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.05%
AUM$7.1B$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.71%2.60%
Holdings558,747
YTD Return+4.26%+14.57%
1Y Return+11.20%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+43.30%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)21.3%15.1%
Max Drawdown-25.4%-39.9%
Fund FamilyGlobal X by mirae AssetVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 11, 2023Jan 26, 2011

SHLD vs VXUS Performance

Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SHLD returned +11.20% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SHLD is up 4.26% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, SHLD compounded at +43.30% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, SHLD has the edge at +43.30% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SHLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% 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 -25.4% for SHLD 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SHLD 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, SHLD currently yields 0.71% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

SHLD and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 7896 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SHLDWeight in VXUSDifference
LDO:MI3.46%0.06%3.40%
272210:KR0.61%0.01%0.60%
CSG:AS0.37%0.01%0.36%
DE000TKMS001:SGProProPro
DRO:AUProProPro
EXA:PAProProPro
ASB:AUProProPro
See all 7 holdings SHLD shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SHLD or VXUS?

SHLD 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, SHLD or VXUS?

Over the past year SHLD returned +11.20% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SHLD annualized +43.30% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SHLD or VXUS?

SHLD has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SHLD -25.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both SHLD and VXUS?

SHLD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SHLD and VXUS?

SHLD and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7896 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SHLD or VXUS?

SHLD yields 0.71% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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