SMIZ vs VXUS
Zacks Small/Mid Cap 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 | SMIZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $274M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.51% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 201 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.01% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.40% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Zacks | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMIZ vs VXUS Performance
Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) is a ETF from Zacks and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMIZ returned +23.40% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, SMIZ is up 17.01% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMIZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -25.0% for SMIZ 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMIZ charges 0.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $5 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMIZ currently yields 0.51% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMIZ and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 8056 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, SMIZ or VXUS?
SMIZ has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMIZ or VXUS?
Over the past year SMIZ returned +23.40% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SMIZ annualized +23.39% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMIZ or VXUS?
SMIZ has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMIZ -25.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMIZ and VXUS?
SMIZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMIZ and VXUS?
SMIZ and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8056 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMIZ or VXUS?
SMIZ yields 0.51% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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