VUSE vs VXUS
VUSE vs VXUS
Vident US Equity Strategy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VUSE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $667M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.45% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 128 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.64% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.73% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.92% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.15% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vident Financial | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VUSE vs VXUS Performance
Vident US Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) is a ETF from Vident Financial and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VUSE returned +16.73% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, VUSE is up 11.64% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, VUSE compounded at +15.92% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.15% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VUSE has the edge at +9.43% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VUSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -45.5% for VUSE 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
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 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VUSE and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 7985 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VUSE or VXUS?
Over the past year VUSE returned +16.73% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), VUSE annualized +9.43% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VUSE or VXUS?
VUSE has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 15.1% 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VUSE and VXUS?
VUSE and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7985 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VUSE or VXUS?
VUSE yields 0.45% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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