VIG vs VXUS
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VIG has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $111.4B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.47% | +15.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.60% | +26.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.17% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.52% | +9.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VIG vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIG returned +18.60% while VXUS returned +26.78%. Year to date, VIG is up 11.47% versus a gain of 15.23% for VXUS.
Over three years, VIG compounded at +17.17% per year against +20.86% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.52% and +9.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.64% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 13.3% for VIG. 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 -48.2% for VIG 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIG charges 0.04% per year while VXUS 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, VIG currently yields 1.49% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VIG and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8194 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, VIG or VXUS?
VIG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VIG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIG or VXUS?
Over the past year VIG returned +18.60% vs +26.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VIG annualized +8.64% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIG or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VIG -48.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VIG and VXUS?
VIG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIG and VXUS?
VIG and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8194 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIG or VXUS?
VIG yields 1.49% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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