VCRM vs VXUS
Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond 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 | VCRM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.61% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 3,675 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.54% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.99% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VCRM vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Core Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VCRM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCRM returned +3.99% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, VCRM is down 0.54% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.1% for VCRM. 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 -3.8% for VCRM 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCRM charges 0.12% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $5 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCRM currently yields 3.61% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VCRM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8470 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, VCRM or VXUS?
VCRM has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCRM or VXUS?
Over the past year VCRM returned +3.99% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VCRM annualized +2.87% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCRM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.1% for VCRM. Worst drawdown: VCRM -3.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VCRM and VXUS?
VCRM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCRM and VXUS?
VCRM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8470 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCRM or VXUS?
VCRM yields 3.61% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VCRM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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