STOX vs VXUS
Horizon Core Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, STOX or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. STOX led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y.
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 | STOX | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $234M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 2.38% |
| Holdings | 350 | 9,293 |
| YTD Return | +8.88%Best | +6.50% |
| 1Y Return | +11.69% | +12.09%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.15% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +7.38% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.6%Best | 13.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3%Best | -11.3% |
| $10,000 over 1.4 years | $12,302Best | $12,219 |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 26, 2025 to Nov 6, 2026 (1.4 years).
STOX 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 1.4 years both funds cover.
STOX vs VXUS Performance
Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) is an ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STOX returned +11.69% while VXUS returned +12.09%. Year to date, STOX is up 8.88% versus a gain of 6.50% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.4% compared with 11.6% 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 -11.3% 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 0.77. 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 2.38% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of STOX 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, STOX or VXUS?
STOX has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $65 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, STOX or VXUS?
Over the past year STOX returned +11.69% vs +12.09% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), STOX annualized +15.95% vs +15.39% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, STOX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 13.4% annualized versus 11.6% for STOX. Worst drawdown: STOX -9.3% vs VXUS -11.3%.
Should I hold both STOX and VXUS?
STOX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, STOX or VXUS?
STOX yields 0.17% while VXUS yields 2.38%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than STOX?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. STOX led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.