VEA vs VXF
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Which is better, VEA or VXF?
Large Cap Blend against Mid Cap Blend.
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VXF over the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEA | VXF |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.05% |
| AUM | $230.3B | $30.5B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.49% | 1.01% |
| Holdings | 3,886 | 3,385 |
| YTD Return | +15.85%Best | +13.42% |
| 1Y Return | +24.16%Best | +13.53% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.54%Best | +20.07% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.31%Best | +6.32% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7%Best | 19.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -59.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,333Best | $13,585 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Mid Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2007 | Dec 27, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 26, 2007 to Sep 22, 2026 (19.2 years).
VEA vs VXF growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 19.2 years both funds cover.
VEA vs VXF Performance
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEA returned +24.16% while VXF returned +13.53%. Year to date, VEA is up 15.85% versus a gain of 13.42% for VXF.
Over three years, VEA compounded at +21.54% per year against +20.07% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are +10.31% and +6.32% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +8.45% annualized vs +3.10%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% compared with 17.7% for VEA. 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 -59.4% for VXF. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEA charges 0.03% per year while VXF 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, VEA currently yields 2.49% against 1.01% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3,754 holdings in VEA and 3,296 in VXF, totalling 94.2% and 94.3% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 16 positions appear in both.
16 positions in common, counted across the 3,754 positions we hold weights for in VEA and 3,296 in VXF, against full books of 3,886 and 3,385.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VEA | Weight in VXF | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNBSunbelt Rentals | 0.09% | 0.35% | 0.26% |
| MKLMarkel Group Inc | 0.13% | 0.28% | 0.15% |
| AMRZ:SMAmrize Ltd Ordinary Shares | 0.08% | 0.31% | 0.23% |
| RBA:CARb Global, Inc | 0.06% | 0.25% | 0.19% |
| AMAntero Midstream Corporationam | 0.02% | 0.09% | 0.07% |
| FBKFb Financial Corp | 0.05% | 0.03% | 0.02% |
| SIG:LNSignet Jewelers Limited Common Shares | 0.03% | 0.04% | 0.01% |
| RAILFreightcar America Inc | 0.07% | 0.00% | 0.07% |
| CCCSCcc Intelligent Solutions Hold | 0.01% | 0.03% | 0.02% |
| SMGScotts Miracle-Gro Company | 0.00% | 0.03% | 0.03% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VEA and VXF you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEA or VXF?
VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXF charges 0.05%. VEA is the cheaper option, by $2 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VEA or VXF?
Over the past year VEA returned +24.16% vs +13.53% for VXF, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), VEA annualized +3.10% vs +8.45% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VEA or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 17.7% for VEA. Worst drawdown: VEA -62.9% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VEA and VXF?
VEA and VXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEA or VXF?
VEA yields 2.49% while VXF yields 1.01%, so VEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXF better than VEA?
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VXF over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.