VTIAX vs VXUS
Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTIAX offers more diversification with 8,762 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTIAX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $102.0B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 8,762 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.71% | +15.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.20% | +26.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.20% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.28% | +9.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VTIAX vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral (VTIAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTIAX returned +23.20% while VXUS returned +26.78%. Year to date, VTIAX is up 14.71% versus a gain of 15.23% for VXUS.
Over three years, VTIAX compounded at +17.20% per year against +20.86% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.28% and +9.66% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTIAX has the edge at +6.28% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTIAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -32.4% for VTIAX 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTIAX charges 0.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTIAX currently yields 2.55% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VTIAX and VXUS share 7270 holdings out of 9102 unique holdings combined, representing a 73.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTIAX or VXUS?
VTIAX has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTIAX or VXUS?
Over the past year VTIAX returned +23.20% vs +26.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTIAX annualized +6.28% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTIAX or VXUS?
VTIAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VTIAX -32.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VTIAX and VXUS?
VTIAX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 VTIAX and VXUS?
VTIAX and VXUS share 7270 common holdings with a 73.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9102 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTIAX or VXUS?
VTIAX yields 2.55% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular Fund Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.