SMMD vs VXUS
iShares Russell 2500 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SMMD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMMD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 520 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +22.15% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.68% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.77% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.78% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMMD vs VXUS Performance
iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMMD returned +35.68% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SMMD is up 22.15% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SMMD compounded at +17.77% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.78% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SMMD has the edge at +10.66% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -41.1% for SMMD 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMMD charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMMD currently yields 1.05% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMMD and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7890 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, SMMD or VXUS?
SMMD has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMMD or VXUS?
Over the past year SMMD returned +35.68% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so SMMD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SMMD annualized +10.66% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMMD or VXUS?
SMMD has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMMD -41.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMMD and VXUS?
SMMD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMMD and VXUS?
SMMD and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7890 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMMD or VXUS?
SMMD yields 1.05% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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