VFH vs VXUS
Vanguard Financials ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VFH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $14.9B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 429 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.18% | +14.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.98% | +25.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.35% | +20.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.85% | +9.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VFH vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VFH returned +10.98% while VXUS returned +25.24%. Year to date, VFH is up 7.18% versus a gain of 14.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, VFH compounded at +22.35% per year against +20.38% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.85% and +9.32% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VFH has the edge at +5.27% annualized vs +4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VFH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -79.9% for VFH and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VFH charges 0.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VFH currently yields 1.67% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VFH and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8282 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VFH or VXUS?
VFH has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VFH or VXUS?
Over the past year VFH returned +10.98% vs +25.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VFH annualized +5.27% vs +4.84% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VFH or VXUS?
VFH has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VFH -79.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VFH and VXUS?
VFH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VFH and VXUS?
VFH and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8282 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VFH or VXUS?
VFH yields 1.67% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS 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.