VIOO vs VXUS
Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VIOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIOO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.62% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 608 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +22.40% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.32% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.06% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.50% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VIOO vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 ETF (VIOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIOO returned +35.32% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, VIOO is up 22.40% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, VIOO compounded at +15.06% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.50% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VIOO has the edge at +12.55% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% 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 -44.1% for VIOO 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIOO 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, VIOO currently yields 1.62% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VIOO and VXUS share 8 holdings out of 8457 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, VIOO or VXUS?
VIOO 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, VIOO or VXUS?
Over the past year VIOO returned +35.32% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VIOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VIOO annualized +12.55% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIOO or VXUS?
VIOO has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VIOO -44.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VIOO and VXUS?
VIOO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIOO and VXUS?
VIOO and VXUS share 8 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8457 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIOO or VXUS?
VIOO yields 1.62% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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