VGSH vs VXUS
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VGSH has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGSH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $29.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.87% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 94 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.69% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.54% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.15% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.88% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VGSH vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGSH returned +2.54% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, VGSH is up 0.69% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, VGSH compounded at +4.15% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.88% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 1.4% for VGSH. 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 -6.7% for VGSH 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 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGSH charges 0.03% per year while VXUS 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, VGSH currently yields 3.87% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VGSH and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7937 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, VGSH or VXUS?
VGSH has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VGSH is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGSH or VXUS?
Over the past year VGSH returned +2.54% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VGSH annualized +0.71% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGSH or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: VGSH -6.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VGSH and VXUS?
VGSH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGSH and VXUS?
VGSH and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7937 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGSH or VXUS?
VGSH yields 3.87% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VGSH 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.