VXUS vs WFH

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVXUSWFHWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%0.45%
AUM$156.5B$13M
Dividend Yield2.60%1.05%
Holdings8,74741
YTD Return+14.19%+15.01%
1Y Return+27.38%+24.89%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.53%+20.91%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.03%+5.89%
Volatility (annualized)15.1%21.9%
Max Drawdown-39.9%-51.2%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Direxion Funds
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 26, 2011Jun 25, 2020

VXUS vs WFH Performance

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Direxion Work From Home ETF (WFH) is a ETF from Direxion Funds. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% while WFH returned +24.89%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.19% versus a gain of 15.01% for WFH.

Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.53% per year against +20.91% for WFH; over five years the annualized figures are +9.03% and +5.89% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, WFH has the edge at +8.01% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

WFH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% 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 -51.2% for WFH. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WFH 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 1.05% for WFH.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VXUS or WFH?

VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WFH 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 WFH?

Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% vs +24.89% for WFH, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +8.01% for WFH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VXUS or WFH?

WFH has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WFH -51.2%.

Should I hold both VXUS and WFH?

VXUS and WFH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WFH?

VXUS yields 2.60% while WFH yields 1.05%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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