VEA vs VWIUX
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF vs Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEA | VWIUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $230.3B | $86.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 3,918 | 15,066 | |
| YTD Return | +16.06% | -1.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.26% | +1.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +0.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.59% | -1.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 5.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -16.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2007 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VEA vs VWIUX Performance
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEA returned +27.26% while VWIUX returned +1.04%. Year to date, VEA is up 16.06% versus a loss of 1.59% for VWIUX.
Over three years, VEA compounded at +21.36% per year against +0.67% for VWIUX; over five years the annualized figures are +10.59% and -1.78% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VEA has the edge at +3.13% annualized vs -1.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% compared with 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -62.9% for VEA and -16.1% for VWIUX. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEA charges 0.03% per year while VWIUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEA currently yields 2.55% against 3.13% for VWIUX.
Holdings Overlap
VEA and VWIUX share 0 holdings out of 5507 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, VEA or VWIUX?
VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWIUX charges 0.09%. VEA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEA or VWIUX?
Over the past year VEA returned +27.26% vs +1.04% for VWIUX, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VEA annualized +3.13% vs -1.78% for VWIUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEA or VWIUX?
VEA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VEA -62.9% vs VWIUX -16.1%.
Should I hold both VEA and VWIUX?
VEA and VWIUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEA and VWIUX?
VEA and VWIUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEA or VWIUX?
VEA yields 2.55% while VWIUX yields 3.13%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular Fund Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.