SVAL vs VXUS
iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SVAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SVAL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $211M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.05% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 262 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +29.00% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.82% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.74% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.14% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SVAL vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF (SVAL) 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 SVAL returned +37.82% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, SVAL is up 29.00% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, SVAL compounded at +18.74% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.14% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SVAL has the edge at +17.78% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SVAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -27.4% for SVAL 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SVAL charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SVAL currently yields 2.05% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SVAL and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8109 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, SVAL or VXUS?
SVAL has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SVAL or VXUS?
Over the past year SVAL returned +37.82% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so SVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SVAL annualized +17.78% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SVAL or VXUS?
SVAL has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SVAL -27.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SVAL and VXUS?
SVAL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SVAL and VXUS?
SVAL and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8109 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SVAL or VXUS?
SVAL yields 2.05% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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