SMCF vs VXUS
Themes US Small Cap Cash Flow Champions ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SMCF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMCF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 141 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.25% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.26% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMCF vs VXUS Performance
Themes US Small Cap Cash Flow Champions ETF (SMCF) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMCF returned +32.26% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, SMCF is up 21.25% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -28.0% for SMCF 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
SMCF charges 0.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $5 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCF currently yields 3.31% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMCF or VXUS?
SMCF has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMCF or VXUS?
Over the past year SMCF returned +32.26% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so SMCF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SMCF annualized +20.29% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMCF or VXUS?
SMCF has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMCF -28.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMCF and VXUS?
SMCF 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 SMCF and VXUS?
SMCF and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7934 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCF or VXUS?
SMCF yields 3.31% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SMCF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.