UTES vs VXUS
Virtus Reaves Utilities 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 | UTES | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 19 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -5.33% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.83% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.09% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.80% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
UTES vs VXUS Performance
Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UTES returned -4.83% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, UTES is down 5.33% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, UTES compounded at +21.09% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.80% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, UTES has the edge at +11.75% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UTES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -35.7% for UTES 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UTES charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UTES currently yields 1.46% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
UTES and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7878 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 UTES | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRE | 4.54% | 0.00% | 4.54% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UTES or VXUS?
UTES has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UTES or VXUS?
Over the past year UTES returned -4.83% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), UTES annualized +11.75% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UTES or VXUS?
UTES has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: UTES -35.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both UTES and VXUS?
UTES and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UTES and VXUS?
UTES and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7878 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UTES or VXUS?
UTES yields 1.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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