VEGA vs VXUS
AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, VEGA or VXUS?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VEGA led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
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 | VEGA | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.25% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $93M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.24% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 13 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +6.59% | +13.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.76% | +22.44%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.95% | +19.44%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.38% | +8.82%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.8%Best | 14.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,624 | $15,260Best |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 19, 2012 to Sep 10, 2026 (14 years).
VEGA vs VXUS 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 14 years both funds cover.
VEGA vs VXUS Performance
AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) is an ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEGA returned +10.76% while VXUS returned +22.44%. Year to date, VEGA is up 6.59% versus a gain of 13.35% for VXUS.
Over three years, VEGA compounded at +12.95% per year against +19.44% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.38% and +8.82% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VEGA has the edge at +6.02% annualized vs +5.85%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.3% compared with 9.8% for VEGA. 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 -28.4% for VEGA and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEGA charges 1.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $125 vs $5 annually, a gap of $120 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEGA currently yields 1.24% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 10 holdings in VEGA and 8,091 in VXUS, totalling 100.2% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 48 days apart, VEGA as of Aug 17, 2026 and VXUS as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 10 positions we hold weights for in VEGA and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 13 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VEGA and VXUS 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, VEGA or VXUS?
VEGA has an expense ratio of 1.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $120 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VEGA or VXUS?
Over the past year VEGA returned +10.76% vs +22.44% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VEGA annualized +6.02% vs +5.85% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VEGA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.3% annualized versus 9.8% for VEGA. Worst drawdown: VEGA -28.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VEGA and VXUS?
VEGA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, 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, VEGA or VXUS?
VEGA yields 1.24% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than VEGA?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VEGA led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.