STOX vs VXUS
Horizon Core Equity 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | STOX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $160M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 168 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.91% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.43% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
STOX vs VXUS Performance
Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STOX returned +23.43% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, STOX is up 13.91% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.1% for STOX. 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 -9.3% for STOX 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STOX charges 0.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $5 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STOX currently yields 0.17% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
STOX and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8026 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in STOX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.22% | 0.00% | 0.22% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, STOX or VXUS?
STOX has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STOX or VXUS?
Over the past year STOX returned +23.43% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), STOX annualized +24.80% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, STOX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.1% for STOX. Worst drawdown: STOX -9.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both STOX and VXUS?
STOX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between STOX and VXUS?
STOX and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8026 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STOX or VXUS?
STOX yields 0.17% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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