SPAM vs VXUS
Themes Cybersecurity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SPAM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPAM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +54.86% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +49.78% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPAM vs VXUS Performance
Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPAM returned +49.78% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, SPAM is up 54.86% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPAM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% 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 -24.0% for SPAM 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPAM charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPAM currently yields 0.37% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPAM and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7901 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPAM or VXUS?
SPAM has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPAM or VXUS?
Over the past year SPAM returned +49.78% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so SPAM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPAM annualized +26.44% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPAM or VXUS?
SPAM has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPAM -24.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPAM and VXUS?
SPAM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPAM and VXUS?
SPAM and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPAM or VXUS?
SPAM yields 0.37% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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