USRD vs VXUS
USRD vs VXUS
Themes US R&D Champions 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 | USRD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.85% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.19% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
USRD vs VXUS Performance
Themes US R&D Champions ETF (USRD) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USRD returned +11.19% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, USRD is up 11.85% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USRD 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 -22.7% for USRD 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USRD charges 0.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $5 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USRD currently yields 0.37% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
USRD and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7911 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in USRD | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 1.39% | 0.00% | 1.39% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USRD or VXUS?
USRD has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USRD or VXUS?
Over the past year USRD returned +11.19% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), USRD annualized +17.96% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USRD or VXUS?
USRD has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: USRD -22.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both USRD and VXUS?
USRD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USRD and VXUS?
USRD and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USRD or VXUS?
USRD yields 0.37% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.