SOLR vs VXUS
Guinness Atkinson Sustainable Energy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SOLR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SOLR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.59% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.08% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.49% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.08% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.10% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 11, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SOLR vs VXUS Performance
Guinness Atkinson Sustainable Energy ETF (SOLR) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SOLR returned +28.49% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, SOLR is up 10.08% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, SOLR compounded at +5.08% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.10% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SOLR has the edge at +7.45% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOLR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -38.0% for SOLR 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOLR charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOLR currently yields 0.59% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SOLR and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 7884 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SOLR or VXUS?
SOLR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOLR or VXUS?
Over the past year SOLR returned +28.49% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so SOLR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SOLR annualized +7.45% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOLR or VXUS?
SOLR has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SOLR -38.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SOLR and VXUS?
SOLR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOLR and VXUS?
SOLR and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7884 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOLR or VXUS?
SOLR yields 0.59% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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