SMDX vs VXUS
Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SMDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMDX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $131M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.51% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 557 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.09% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.93% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Intech ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMDX vs VXUS Performance
Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) is a ETF from Intech ETF and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMDX returned +28.93% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, SMDX is up 18.09% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.7% for SMDX. 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 -14.5% for SMDX 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMDX charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMDX currently yields 0.51% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMDX and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7888 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SMDX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BILL | 0.02% | 0.00% | 0.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMDX or VXUS?
SMDX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMDX or VXUS?
Over the past year SMDX returned +28.93% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so SMDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SMDX annualized +23.94% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMDX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.7% for SMDX. Worst drawdown: SMDX -14.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMDX and VXUS?
SMDX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMDX and VXUS?
SMDX and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7888 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMDX or VXUS?
SMDX yields 0.51% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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