VTWG vs VXUS
Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VTWG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTWG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,125 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.86% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.06% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.21% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.01% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VTWG vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTWG returned +34.06% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, VTWG is up 18.86% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, VTWG compounded at +18.21% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.01% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTWG has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTWG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -42.1% for VTWG 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
VTWG 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, VTWG currently yields 0.57% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VTWG and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8965 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTWG or VXUS?
VTWG 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, VTWG or VXUS?
Over the past year VTWG returned +34.06% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VTWG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VTWG annualized +11.51% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTWG or VXUS?
VTWG has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VTWG -42.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VTWG and VXUS?
VTWG 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 VTWG and VXUS?
VTWG and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8965 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTWG or VXUS?
VTWG yields 0.57% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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