VEU vs VMLUX
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF vs Vanguard Limited Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class
Quick Verdict
VEU has a lower expense ratio. VEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEU offers more diversification with 2818 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEU | VMLUX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $67.3B | $34.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.54% | 2.89% | |
| Holdings | 3,921 | 7,110 | |
| YTD Return | +15.47% | -0.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.85% | -0.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.12% | +0.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.50% | -0.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 2.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.8% | -8.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2007 | Feb 12, 2001 |
VEU vs VMLUX Performance
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Limited Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VMLUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEU returned +26.85% while VMLUX returned -0.27%. Year to date, VEU is up 15.47% versus a loss of 0.55% for VMLUX.
Over three years, VEU compounded at +20.12% per year against +0.81% for VMLUX; over five years the annualized figures are +9.50% and -0.56% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VEU has the edge at +3.59% annualized vs -0.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 2.8% for VMLUX. 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 -62.8% for VEU and -8.5% for VMLUX. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEU charges 0.04% per year while VMLUX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $9 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEU currently yields 2.54% against 2.89% for VMLUX.
Holdings Overlap
VEU and VMLUX share 0 holdings out of 3733 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, VEU or VMLUX?
VEU has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VMLUX charges 0.09%. VEU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEU or VMLUX?
Over the past year VEU returned +26.85% vs -0.27% for VMLUX, so VEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VEU annualized +3.59% vs -0.56% for VMLUX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEU or VMLUX?
VEU has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 2.8% for VMLUX. Worst drawdown: VEU -62.8% vs VMLUX -8.5%.
Should I hold both VEU and VMLUX?
VEU and VMLUX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEU and VMLUX?
VEU and VMLUX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3733 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEU or VMLUX?
VEU yields 2.54% while VMLUX yields 2.89%, so VMLUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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