VXUS vs WAR
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs US Global Technology And Aerospace & Defense ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. WAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $40M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 10.22% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 30 | |
| YTD Return | +15.22% | +44.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.86% | +63.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.34% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.38% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 33.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -25.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Dec 30, 2024 |
VXUS vs WAR Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and US Global Technology And Aerospace & Defense ETF (WAR) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc.. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.86% while WAR returned +63.92%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.22% versus a gain of 44.84% for WAR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.3% 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 -39.9% for VXUS and -25.0% for WAR. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WAR charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $60 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.59% against 10.22% for WAR.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WAR share 4 holdings out of 7894 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, VXUS or WAR?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WAR charges 0.60%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WAR?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.86% vs +63.92% for WAR, so WAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VXUS annualized +4.89% vs +49.93% for WAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WAR?
WAR has been the more volatile fund at 33.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WAR -25.0%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WAR?
VXUS and WAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WAR?
VXUS and WAR share 4 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7894 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WAR?
VXUS yields 2.59% while WAR yields 10.22%, so WAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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