VPL vs VXUS
VPL vs VXUS
Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VPL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VPL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.64% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 2,361 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +23.91% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.92% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 4, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VPL vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF (VPL) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VPL returned +38.92% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, VPL is up 23.91% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, VPL compounded at +21.49% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.04% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VPL has the edge at +6.78% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VPL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -55.5% for VPL 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VPL 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, VPL currently yields 2.64% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VPL and VXUS share 2159 holdings out of 7994 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VPL | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5930:JP | 5.76% | 1.58% | 4.18% |
| 000660:KR | 3.28% | 0.90% | 2.38% |
| CBA:AU | 1.70% | 0.47% | 1.23% |
| 8306:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BHPG34:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 6501:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 8316:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 6758:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 6857:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 8035:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VPL shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VPL or VXUS?
VPL 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, VPL or VXUS?
Over the past year VPL returned +38.92% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VPL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VPL annualized +6.78% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VPL or VXUS?
VPL has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VPL -55.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VPL and VXUS?
VPL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 VPL and VXUS?
VPL and VXUS share 2159 common holdings with a 23.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7994 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VPL or VXUS?
VPL yields 2.64% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VPL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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