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

MetricVSMVVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.05%
AUM$157M$156.5B
Dividend Yield1.39%2.60%
Holdings638,747
YTD Return+10.34%+14.57%
1Y Return+23.77%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.09%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+10.95%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)13.1%15.1%
Max Drawdown-31.4%-39.9%
Fund FamilyVictory Capital Management Inc.Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 21, 2017Jan 26, 2011

VSMV vs VXUS Performance

VictoryShares US Multi-Factor Minimum Volatility ETF (VSMV) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VSMV returned +23.77% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, VSMV is up 10.34% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, VSMV compounded at +16.09% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.95% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VSMV has the edge at +11.30% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 13.1% for VSMV. 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 -31.4% for VSMV 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VSMV charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VSMV currently yields 1.39% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VSMV and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7921 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VSMVWeight in VXUSDifference
KR2.31%0.00%2.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VSMV or VXUS?

VSMV has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VSMV or VXUS?

Over the past year VSMV returned +23.77% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VSMV annualized +11.30% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VSMV or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.1% for VSMV. Worst drawdown: VSMV -31.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both VSMV and VXUS?

VSMV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VSMV and VXUS?

VSMV and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7921 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VSMV or VXUS?

VSMV yields 1.39% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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