SMIG vs VXUS
Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth 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 | SMIG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.83% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.49% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.70% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.31% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.95% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 25, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMIG vs VXUS Performance
Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (SMIG) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMIG returned +14.70% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, SMIG is up 15.49% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, SMIG compounded at +13.31% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.95% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SMIG has the edge at +7.95% annualized vs +4.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -19.6% for SMIG 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMIG charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMIG currently yields 1.83% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMIG and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7898 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMIG or VXUS?
SMIG has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMIG or VXUS?
Over the past year SMIG returned +14.70% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SMIG annualized +7.95% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMIG or VXUS?
SMIG has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMIG -19.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMIG and VXUS?
SMIG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMIG and VXUS?
SMIG and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7898 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMIG or VXUS?
SMIG yields 1.83% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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