SMAX vs VXUS
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep 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 | SMAX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $88M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.51% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.69% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMAX vs VXUS Performance
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) 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 SMAX returned +6.69% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, SMAX is up 4.51% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.2% for SMAX. 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 -3.9% for SMAX 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMAX 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, SMAX currently yields 0.75% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMAX and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7864 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, SMAX or VXUS?
SMAX 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, SMAX or VXUS?
Over the past year SMAX returned +6.69% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMAX annualized +6.76% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMAX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.2% for SMAX. Worst drawdown: SMAX -3.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMAX and VXUS?
SMAX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMAX and VXUS?
SMAX and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMAX or VXUS?
SMAX yields 0.75% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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