VXUS vs WCMI
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs First Trust WCM International Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. WCMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WCMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $1.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.54% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +14.07% | +13.61% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.24% | +27.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -12.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 31, 2020 |
VXUS vs WCMI Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and First Trust WCM International Equity ETF (WCMI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% while WCMI returned +27.37%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.07% versus a gain of 13.61% for WCMI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.6% for WCMI. 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 -12.8% for WCMI. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WCMI charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $85 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 0.54% for WCMI.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WCMI share 24 holdings out of 7881 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or WCMI?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WCMI charges 0.85%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WCMI?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% vs +27.37% for WCMI, so WCMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +21.50% for WCMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WCMI?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.6% for WCMI. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WCMI -12.8%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WCMI?
VXUS and WCMI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WCMI?
VXUS and WCMI share 24 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7881 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WCMI?
VXUS yields 2.60% while WCMI yields 0.54%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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