SPE vs VXUS
SPE vs VXUS
Special Opportunities Fund Inc 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 | SPE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 4.89% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $171M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.31% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 158 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -3.40% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.62% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.07% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.14% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Special Opportunities Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 8, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPE vs VXUS Performance
Special Opportunities Fund Inc (SPE) is a ETF from Special Opportunities Fund and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPE returned -4.62% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SPE is down 3.40% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPE compounded at +15.07% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.14% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.8% for SPE. 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 -58.5% for SPE 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPE charges 4.89% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $489 vs $5 annually, a gap of $484 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPE currently yields 8.31% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPE and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7965 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, SPE or VXUS?
SPE has an expense ratio of 4.89% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $484 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPE or VXUS?
Over the past year SPE returned -4.62% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPE annualized +2.05% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPE or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.8% for SPE. Worst drawdown: SPE -58.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPE and VXUS?
SPE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPE and VXUS?
SPE and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7965 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPE or VXUS?
SPE yields 8.31% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SPE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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