SPHB vs VXUS
Invesco S&P 500 High Beta ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, SPHB or VXUS?
SPHB has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SPHB led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPHB | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $891M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.56% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 102 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +27.90%Best | +12.88% |
| 1Y Return | +37.92%Best | +19.97% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.36%Best | +20.14% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.83%Best | +8.87% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.5% | 15.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -47.8% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $20,850Best | $15,295 |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | May 5, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 5, 2011 to Sep 23, 2026 (15.4 years).
SPHB vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.4 years both funds cover.
SPHB vs VXUS Performance
Invesco S&P 500 High Beta ETF (SPHB) is an ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPHB returned +37.92% while VXUS returned +19.97%. Year to date, SPHB is up 27.90% versus a gain of 12.88% for VXUS.
Over three years, SPHB compounded at +30.36% per year against +20.14% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +15.83% and +8.87% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPHB has the edge at +12.99% annualized vs +4.52%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPHB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.5% 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 -47.8% for SPHB and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPHB charges 0.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPHB currently yields 0.56% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 1.2% of SPHB's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
SPHB and VXUS share little of their money.
1 positions in common, counted across the 101 positions we hold weights for in SPHB and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 102 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPHB | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| STX:IESeagate Technolo | 1.21% | 0.00% | 1.21% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SPHB and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPHB or VXUS?
SPHB has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $20 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SPHB or VXUS?
Over the past year SPHB returned +37.92% vs +19.97% for VXUS, so SPHB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SPHB annualized +12.99% vs +4.52% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SPHB or VXUS?
SPHB has been the more volatile fund at 24.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SPHB -47.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SPHB and VXUS?
SPHB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between SPHB and VXUS?
At least 1.2% of SPHB's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 1 positions in common, counted across the 101 positions we hold weights for in SPHB and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPHB or VXUS?
SPHB yields 0.56% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than SPHB?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SPHB led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.