TLTE vs VXUS
FlexShares Morningstar Emerging Markets Factor Tilt Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. TLTE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TLTE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $351M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.35% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 3,106 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.75% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.08% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.58% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.58% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TLTE vs VXUS Performance
FlexShares Morningstar Emerging Markets Factor Tilt Index Fund (TLTE) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TLTE returned +33.08% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, TLTE is up 19.75% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, TLTE compounded at +20.58% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.58% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs +4.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TLTE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -47.6% for TLTE 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TLTE charges 0.57% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $5 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TLTE currently yields 3.35% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TLTE and VXUS share 2078 holdings out of 8757 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TLTE or VXUS?
TLTE has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TLTE or VXUS?
Over the past year TLTE returned +33.08% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so TLTE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), TLTE annualized +4.59% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TLTE or VXUS?
TLTE has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TLTE -47.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TLTE and VXUS?
TLTE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between TLTE and VXUS?
TLTE and VXUS share 2078 common holdings with a 19.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8757 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TLTE or VXUS?
TLTE yields 3.35% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so TLTE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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