VXUS vs WLDR
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Simplify Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. WLDR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WLDR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.67% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $91M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 1.28% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 121 | |
| YTD Return | +14.07% | +30.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.24% | +48.55% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +31.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | +18.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -47.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jan 16, 2018 |
VXUS vs WLDR Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Simplify Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF (WLDR) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% while WLDR returned +48.55%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.07% versus a gain of 30.65% for WLDR.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +31.07% for WLDR; over five years the annualized figures are +9.14% and +18.42% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, WLDR has the edge at +11.52% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WLDR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -47.1% for WLDR. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WLDR charges 0.67%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $67 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 1.28% for WLDR.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WLDR share 38 holdings out of 7935 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or WLDR?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WLDR charges 0.67%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WLDR?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% vs +48.55% for WLDR, so WLDR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +11.52% for WLDR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WLDR?
WLDR has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WLDR -47.1%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WLDR?
VXUS and WLDR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WLDR?
VXUS and WLDR share 38 common holdings with a 4.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7935 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WLDR?
VXUS yields 2.60% while WLDR yields 1.28%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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