UAE vs VXUS
iShares MSCI UAE 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 | UAE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $314M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.43% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.68% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.63% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.85% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.38% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UAE vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI UAE ETF (UAE) 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 UAE returned +2.63% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, UAE is up 5.68% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, UAE compounded at +13.85% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.38% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs -0.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UAE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -68.3% for UAE 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UAE charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UAE currently yields 4.43% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
UAE and VXUS share 31 holdings out of 7895 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in UAE | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAB:AE | 13.45% | 0.05% | 13.40% |
| EMAAR:AE | 11.34% | 0.06% | 11.28% |
| EAND:AE | 11.03% | 0.04% | 10.99% |
| ADIB:AE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADCB:AE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ALDAR:AE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADNOCGAS:AE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADNOCDRILL:AE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADNOCDIST:AE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADNOCLS:AE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UAE or VXUS?
UAE has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UAE or VXUS?
Over the past year UAE returned +2.63% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), UAE annualized -0.27% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UAE or VXUS?
UAE has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UAE -68.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UAE and VXUS?
UAE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UAE and VXUS?
UAE and VXUS share 31 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7895 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UAE or VXUS?
UAE yields 4.43% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so UAE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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