VWIUX vs VXUS
Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class 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 | VWIUX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $86.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.05% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 15,066 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.23% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.26% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.62% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.72% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VWIUX vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VWIUX returned +1.26% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, VWIUX is down 1.23% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, VWIUX compounded at +0.62% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.72% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs -1.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VWIUX 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, VWIUX currently yields 3.05% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VWIUX and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 9624 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, VWIUX or VXUS?
VWIUX 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, VWIUX or VXUS?
Over the past year VWIUX returned +1.26% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VWIUX annualized -1.72% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VWIUX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VWIUX -16.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VWIUX and VXUS?
VWIUX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VWIUX and VXUS?
VWIUX and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9624 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VWIUX or VXUS?
VWIUX yields 3.05% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VWIUX 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.