UPGD vs VXUS
Invesco Bloomberg Analyst Rating Improvers 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 | UPGD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $120M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.58% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.60% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.22% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.75% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.09% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UPGD vs VXUS Performance
Invesco Bloomberg Analyst Rating Improvers ETF (UPGD) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPGD returned +18.22% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, UPGD is up 13.60% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, UPGD compounded at +13.75% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.09% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, UPGD has the edge at +8.04% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UPGD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% 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 -60.7% for UPGD 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UPGD charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UPGD currently yields 1.58% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
UPGD and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7912 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, UPGD or VXUS?
UPGD has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UPGD or VXUS?
Over the past year UPGD returned +18.22% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), UPGD annualized +8.04% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UPGD or VXUS?
UPGD has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UPGD -60.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UPGD and VXUS?
UPGD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UPGD and VXUS?
UPGD and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7912 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UPGD or VXUS?
UPGD yields 1.58% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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