VXUS vs WISE
VXUS vs WISE
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence 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 | WISE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $26M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 4.16% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 48 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | -4.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +4.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 31.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -39.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Themes ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Dec 8, 2023 |
VXUS vs WISE Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) is a ETF from Themes ETFs. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while WISE returned +4.34%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a loss of 4.52% for WISE.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WISE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.7% 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 -39.1% for WISE. 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WISE charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $35 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 4.16% for WISE.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WISE share 6 holdings out of 7896 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VXUS | Weight in WISE | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KC | 0.01% | 3.49% | 3.48% |
| BRN:AU | 0.00% | 2.84% | 2.84% |
| 3993:JP | 0.03% | 2.40% | 2.37% |
| ORCL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 861:HK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 4180:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings VXUS shares with WISE Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or WISE?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WISE charges 0.35%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WISE?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +4.34% for WISE, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +18.29% for WISE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WISE?
WISE has been the more volatile fund at 31.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WISE -39.1%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WISE?
VXUS and WISE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WISE?
VXUS and WISE share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7896 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WISE?
VXUS yields 2.60% while WISE yields 4.16%, so WISE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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