UPGR vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. UPGR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: UPGRMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricUPGRVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.05%
AUM$6M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.28%2.60%
Holdings478,747
YTD Return+0.90%+14.57%
1Y Return+31.58%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)27.2%15.1%
Max Drawdown-35.5%-39.9%
Fund FamilyXtrackers ETFsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 13, 2023Jan 26, 2011

UPGR vs VXUS Performance

Xtrackers US Green Infrastructure Select Equity ETF (UPGR) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UPGR returned +31.58% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, UPGR is up 0.90% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

UPGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.2% 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 -35.5% for UPGR 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

UPGR charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UPGR currently yields 0.28% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

UPGR and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7906 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, UPGR or VXUS?

UPGR has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.

Which performed better, UPGR or VXUS?

Over the past year UPGR returned +31.58% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so UPGR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), UPGR annualized +11.48% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, UPGR or VXUS?

UPGR has been the more volatile fund at 27.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UPGR -35.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both UPGR and VXUS?

UPGR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between UPGR and VXUS?

UPGR and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7906 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, UPGR or VXUS?

UPGR yields 0.28% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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