SPEU vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Portfolio Europe 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPEU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $744M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.37% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,737 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.17% | +14.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.67% | +26.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.30% | +19.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.49% | +8.87% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 15, 2002 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPEU vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Europe ETF (SPEU) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPEU returned +20.67% while VXUS returned +26.56%. Year to date, SPEU is up 9.17% versus a gain of 14.51% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPEU compounded at +18.30% per year against +19.95% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.49% and +8.87% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +4.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% compared with 15.0% 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 -64.5% for SPEU 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPEU charges 0.07% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPEU currently yields 3.37% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SPEU and VXUS share 920 holdings out of 8839 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPEU or VXUS?
SPEU has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPEU or VXUS?
Over the past year SPEU returned +20.67% vs +26.56% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPEU annualized +4.04% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPEU or VXUS?
SPEU has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPEU -64.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPEU and VXUS?
SPEU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPEU and VXUS?
SPEU and VXUS share 920 common holdings with a 21.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8839 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPEU or VXUS?
SPEU yields 3.37% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so SPEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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