VXUS vs WDGF
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs WisdomTree Global Defense Fund ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WDGF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.05% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 98 | |
| YTD Return | +15.24% | +9.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.32% | +12.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.85% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.23% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | - | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -18.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Sep 12, 2025 |
VXUS vs WDGF Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and WisdomTree Global Defense Fund ETF (WDGF) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.32% while WDGF returned +12.23%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.24% versus a gain of 9.82% for WDGF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -39.9% for VXUS and -18.0% for WDGF. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WDGF charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $45 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 0.05% for WDGF.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WDGF share 46 holdings out of 7911 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or WDGF?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WDGF charges 0.45%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WDGF?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.32% vs +12.23% for WDGF, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WDGF?
VXUS and WDGF share 46 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WDGF?
VXUS yields 2.60% while WDGF yields 0.05%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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