VIGI vs VXUS
Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIGI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 356 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.48% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.31% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.02% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.44% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VIGI vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard International Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIGI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIGI returned +15.31% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, VIGI is up 9.48% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, VIGI compounded at +12.02% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.44% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VIGI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +4.83%. 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 13.4% for VIGI. 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 -31.2% for VIGI 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIGI charges 0.07% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIGI currently yields 2.14% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VIGI and VXUS share 275 holdings out of 7936 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIGI or VXUS?
VIGI has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIGI or VXUS?
Over the past year VIGI returned +15.31% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), VIGI annualized +8.14% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIGI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.4% for VIGI. Worst drawdown: VIGI -31.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VIGI and VXUS?
VIGI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VIGI and VXUS?
VIGI and VXUS share 275 common holdings with a 10.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7936 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIGI or VXUS?
VIGI yields 2.14% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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