SMLL vs VXUS
Harbor Active Small 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 | SMLL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $14M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.52% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.12% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.31% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMLL vs VXUS Performance
Harbor Active Small Cap ETF (SMLL) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMLL returned +2.31% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, SMLL is up 12.12% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMLL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -23.6% for SMLL 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
SMLL charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMLL currently yields 1.52% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMLL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7909 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, SMLL or VXUS?
SMLL has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMLL or VXUS?
Over the past year SMLL returned +2.31% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMLL annualized +7.59% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMLL or VXUS?
SMLL has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMLL -23.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMLL and VXUS?
SMLL 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 SMLL and VXUS?
SMLL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7909 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMLL or VXUS?
SMLL yields 1.52% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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