SOXX vs VXUS
iShares Semiconductor ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SOXX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SOXX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $43.0B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.29% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +67.68% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +110.03% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +48.46% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +28.35% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SOXX vs VXUS Performance
iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) 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 SOXX returned +110.03% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, SOXX is up 67.68% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, SOXX compounded at +48.46% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +28.35% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SOXX has the edge at +13.95% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.4% 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 -70.2% for SOXX 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOXX charges 0.33% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $5 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOXX currently yields 0.29% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SOXX and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 7896 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SOXX or VXUS?
SOXX has an expense ratio of 0.33% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOXX or VXUS?
Over the past year SOXX returned +110.03% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so SOXX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SOXX annualized +13.95% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOXX or VXUS?
SOXX has been the more volatile fund at 30.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SOXX -70.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SOXX and VXUS?
SOXX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOXX and VXUS?
SOXX and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7896 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOXX or VXUS?
SOXX yields 0.29% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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