VNSE vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVNSEVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.80%0.05%
AUM$14M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.20%2.60%
Holdings288,747
YTD Return+10.57%+14.57%
1Y Return+16.86%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+13.33%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.47%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)16.3%15.1%
Max Drawdown-24.2%-39.9%
Fund FamilyNatixis FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 17, 2020Jan 26, 2011

VNSE vs VXUS Performance

Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF (VNSE) is a ETF from Natixis Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VNSE returned +16.86% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, VNSE is up 10.57% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, VNSE compounded at +13.33% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.47% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VNSE has the edge at +14.45% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VNSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -24.2% for VNSE 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

VNSE charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VNSE currently yields 0.20% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.5%overlap

VNSE and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 7885 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VNSEWeight in VXUSDifference
SHOP:CA2.67%0.33%2.34%
AMRZ:SM2.12%0.07%2.05%
CLS:CA1.47%0.07%1.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VNSE or VXUS?

VNSE has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VNSE or VXUS?

Over the past year VNSE returned +16.86% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VNSE annualized +14.45% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VNSE or VXUS?

VNSE has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VNSE -24.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both VNSE and VXUS?

VNSE 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 VNSE and VXUS?

VNSE and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7885 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VNSE or VXUS?

VNSE yields 0.20% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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