VXUS vs WCME
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs First Trust WCM Developing World Equity 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 | VXUS | WCME | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $35M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.34% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 42 | |
| YTD Return | +14.19% | +6.32% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.38% | +17.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.53% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 17.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -15.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Oct 7, 2024 |
VXUS vs WCME Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF (WCME) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% while WCME returned +17.30%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.19% versus a gain of 6.32% for WCME.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WCME has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -15.6% for WCME. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WCME charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $95 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 0.34% for WCME.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WCME share 18 holdings out of 7878 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or WCME?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WCME charges 0.95%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WCME?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% vs +17.30% for WCME, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +15.85% for WCME. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WCME?
WCME has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WCME -15.6%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WCME?
VXUS and WCME have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WCME?
VXUS and WCME share 18 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7878 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WCME?
VXUS yields 2.60% while WCME yields 0.34%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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