SMOG vs VXUS
VanEck Low Carbon Energy 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 | SMOG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $131M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.39% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 63 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.18% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.72% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.19% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.76% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMOG vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMOG returned +23.72% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SMOG is up 6.18% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SMOG compounded at +6.19% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.76% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.5% 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 -84.4% for SMOG 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMOG charges 0.64% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $5 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMOG currently yields 1.39% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMOG and VXUS share 30 holdings out of 7886 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMOG or VXUS?
SMOG has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMOG or VXUS?
Over the past year SMOG returned +23.72% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SMOG annualized +1.70% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMOG or VXUS?
SMOG has been the more volatile fund at 28.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMOG -84.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMOG and VXUS?
SMOG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMOG and VXUS?
SMOG and VXUS share 30 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7886 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMOG or VXUS?
SMOG yields 1.39% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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