VXF vs VXUS
Vanguard Extended Market ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $31.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.21% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 3,376 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.50% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.88% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.92% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.95% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VXF vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VXF returned +26.88% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, VXF is up 17.50% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, VXF compounded at +18.92% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.95% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.09% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -59.4% for VXF 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
VXF charges 0.05% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $5 annually. On income, VXF currently yields 1.21% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VXF and VXUS share 24 holdings out of 10299 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXF or VXUS?
VXF has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VXUS charges 0.05%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXF or VXUS?
Over the past year VXF returned +26.88% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXF annualized +9.09% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXF or VXUS?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXF -59.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VXF and VXUS?
VXF 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 VXF and VXUS?
VXF and VXUS share 24 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 10299 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXF or VXUS?
VXF yields 1.21% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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