TMFS vs VXUS
Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TMFS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $60M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.47% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.97% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.80% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.20% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Motley Fool Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TMFS vs VXUS Performance
Motley Fool Small-Cap Growth ETF (TMFS) is a ETF from Motley Fool Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TMFS returned +7.97% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, TMFS is up 7.47% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, TMFS compounded at +8.80% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.20% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, TMFS has the edge at +9.38% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TMFS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.9% 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 -48.8% for TMFS 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TMFS charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TMFS currently yields 0.00% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TMFS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7901 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, TMFS or VXUS?
TMFS has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TMFS or VXUS?
Over the past year TMFS returned +7.97% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), TMFS annualized +9.38% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TMFS or VXUS?
TMFS has been the more volatile fund at 23.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TMFS -48.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TMFS and VXUS?
TMFS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TMFS and VXUS?
TMFS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TMFS or VXUS?
TMFS yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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