SUSB vs VXUS
SUSB vs VXUS
iShares ESG Aware 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond 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 | SUSB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.49% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,665 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.74% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.93% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.38% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.33% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SUSB vs VXUS Performance
iShares ESG Aware 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF (SUSB) 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 SUSB returned +2.93% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SUSB is up 0.74% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SUSB compounded at +5.38% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.33% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.0% for SUSB. 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 -13.3% for SUSB 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SUSB charges 0.12% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $5 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SUSB currently yields 4.49% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SUSB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8993 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, SUSB or VXUS?
SUSB has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SUSB or VXUS?
Over the past year SUSB returned +2.93% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SUSB annualized +1.72% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SUSB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.0% for SUSB. Worst drawdown: SUSB -13.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SUSB and VXUS?
SUSB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SUSB and VXUS?
SUSB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8993 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SUSB or VXUS?
SUSB yields 4.49% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SUSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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