STEN vs VXUS
iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep 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 | STEN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $40M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.23% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.22% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
STEN vs VXUS Performance
iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) 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 STEN returned +13.22% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, STEN is up 11.23% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -6.2% for STEN and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STEN charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STEN currently yields 0.17% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
STEN and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7871 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, STEN or VXUS?
STEN has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STEN or VXUS?
Over the past year STEN returned +13.22% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between STEN and VXUS?
STEN and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7871 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STEN or VXUS?
STEN yields 0.17% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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