VEU vs VXF
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VEU has a lower expense ratio. VEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEU offers more diversification with 3,928 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEU | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $68.4B | $30.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 1.03% | |
| Holdings | 3,928 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +15.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.77% | +23.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.75% | +19.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.98% | +7.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.8% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2007 | Dec 27, 2001 |
VEU vs VXF Performance
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEU returned +25.77% while VXF returned +23.93%. Year to date, VEU is up 14.50% versus a gain of 15.71% for VXF.
Over three years, VEU compounded at +20.75% per year against +19.90% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are +9.98% and +7.18% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.01% annualized vs +3.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% compared with 17.7% for VEU. 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEU charges 0.04% per year while VXF charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEU currently yields 2.55% against 1.03% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VEU and VXF share 6 holdings out of 6109 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEU or VXF?
VEU has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VXF charges 0.05%. VEU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEU or VXF?
Over the past year VEU returned +25.77% vs +23.93% for VXF, so VEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VEU annualized +3.55% vs +9.01% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEU or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 17.7% for VEU. Worst drawdown: VEU -62.8% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VEU and VXF?
VEU and VXF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEU and VXF?
VEU and VXF share 6 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 6109 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEU or VXF?
VEU yields 2.55% while VXF yields 1.03%, so VEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.