VLT vs VXUS
Invesco High Income Trust II vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, VLT or VXUS?
High Yield Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VLT | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.95% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $3,093.5 | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 10.38% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 270 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -8.27% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | -7.18% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.47% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.47% | +9.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0%Best | 15.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -56.1% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,757 | $15,485Best |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | High Yield Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 28, 1989 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Sep 17, 2026 (15.6 years).
VLT vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.6 years both funds cover.
VLT vs VXUS Performance
Invesco High Income Trust II (VLT) is an ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VLT returned -7.18% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, VLT is down 8.27% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, VLT compounded at +8.47% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.47% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.77% annualized vs +0.29%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 13.0% for VLT. 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 -56.1% for VLT and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VLT charges 1.95% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $195 vs $5 annually, a gap of $190 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VLT currently yields 10.38% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VLT and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VLT or VXUS?
VLT has an expense ratio of 1.95% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $190 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VLT or VXUS?
Over the past year VLT returned -7.18% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VLT annualized +0.29% vs +4.77% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VLT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 13.0% for VLT. Worst drawdown: VLT -56.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VLT and VXUS?
VLT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VLT or VXUS?
VLT yields 10.38% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than VLT?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.