VT vs VXUS
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 10,133 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $78.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.60% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 10,133 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.34% | +14.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.97% | +25.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.05% | +20.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.87% | +9.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VT vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VT returned +21.97% while VXUS returned +25.24%. Year to date, VT is up 13.34% versus a gain of 14.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, VT compounded at +21.05% per year against +20.38% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.87% and +9.32% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VT has the edge at +7.31% annualized vs +4.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -50.6% for VT 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VT charges 0.06% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VT currently yields 1.60% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VT and VXUS share 6267 holdings out of 10530 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VT or VXUS?
VT has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VT or VXUS?
Over the past year VT returned +21.97% vs +25.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VT annualized +7.31% vs +4.84% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VT or VXUS?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VT -50.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VT and VXUS?
VT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 VT and VXUS?
VT and VXUS share 6267 common holdings with a 23.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 10530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VT or VXUS?
VT yields 1.60% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.