STRN vs VXUS
SMART Trend 25 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. STRN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | STRN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $28M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.16% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +22.81% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.23% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SMART Wealth, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 20, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
STRN vs VXUS Performance
SMART Trend 25 ETF (STRN) is a ETF from SMART Wealth, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STRN returned +37.23% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, STRN is up 22.81% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STRN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.2% 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 -15.4% for STRN 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STRN charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STRN currently yields 0.16% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
STRN and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7894 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, STRN or VXUS?
STRN has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STRN or VXUS?
Over the past year STRN returned +37.23% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so STRN leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, STRN or VXUS?
STRN has been the more volatile fund at 28.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: STRN -15.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both STRN and VXUS?
STRN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between STRN and VXUS?
STRN and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7894 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STRN or VXUS?
STRN yields 0.16% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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