VCR vs VXUS
Vanguard Consumer Discretionary 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 | VCR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.82% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 290 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.20% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.97% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.48% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.55% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VCR vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCR returned +4.97% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, VCR is up 2.20% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, VCR compounded at +12.48% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.55% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VCR has the edge at +10.02% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VCR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -62.7% for VCR 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCR charges 0.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCR currently yields 0.82% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCR or VXUS?
VCR has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCR or VXUS?
Over the past year VCR returned +4.97% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VCR annualized +10.02% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCR or VXUS?
VCR has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VCR -62.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VCR and VXUS?
VCR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCR and VXUS?
VCR and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8145 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCR or VXUS?
VCR yields 0.82% 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.