VUSE vs VXUS
Vident US Equity Strategy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, VUSE or VXUS?
Mid Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VUSE led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VUSE | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $679M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.45% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 128 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +9.43% | +12.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | +8.28% | +19.86%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | +19.33%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.19%Best | +9.46% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 14.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,773Best | $15,714 |
| Fund Family | Vident Financial | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 22, 2014 to Sep 18, 2026 (12.7 years).
VUSE vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 12.7 years both funds cover.
VUSE vs VXUS Performance
Vident US Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) is an ETF from Vident Financial and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VUSE returned +8.28% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, VUSE is up 9.43% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, VUSE compounded at +15.39% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.19% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VUSE has the edge at +9.17% annualized vs +5.40%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VUSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% compared with 14.5% 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 -45.5% for VUSE and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
VUSE charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VUSE currently yields 0.45% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 123 holdings in VUSE and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 99.9% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 123 positions we hold weights for in VUSE and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 128 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VUSE and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VUSE or VXUS?
VUSE has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $45 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VUSE or VXUS?
Over the past year VUSE returned +8.28% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), VUSE annualized +9.17% vs +5.40% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VUSE or VXUS?
VUSE has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 14.5% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VUSE -45.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VUSE and VXUS?
VUSE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VUSE or VXUS?
VUSE yields 0.45% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than VUSE?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VUSE led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.