VCSH vs VXUS
VCSH vs VXUS
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VCSH has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCSH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $44.9B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.44% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 2,719 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.74% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.00% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.33% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.32% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VCSH vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCSH returned +3.00% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, VCSH is up 0.74% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, VCSH compounded at +5.33% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.32% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.6% for VCSH. 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 -12.9% for VCSH 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCSH charges 0.03% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCSH currently yields 4.44% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VCSH and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 10300 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 VCSH | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOGG3:BV | 0.05% | 0.00% | 0.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCSH or VXUS?
VCSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VCSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCSH or VXUS?
Over the past year VCSH returned +3.00% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VCSH annualized +1.29% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCSH or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.6% for VCSH. Worst drawdown: VCSH -12.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VCSH and VXUS?
VCSH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCSH and VXUS?
VCSH and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 10300 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCSH or VXUS?
VCSH yields 4.44% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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