VXUS vs WOOD
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs iShares Global Timber & Forestry 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 | WOOD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $268M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 2.34% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 48 | |
| YTD Return | +15.22% | +0.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.86% | -0.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.34% | +1.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.38% | -2.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 22.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -63.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jun 24, 2008 |
VXUS vs WOOD Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares Global Timber & Forestry ETF (WOOD) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +26.86% while WOOD returned -0.73%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.22% versus a gain of 0.23% for WOOD.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.34% per year against +1.67% for WOOD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.38% and -2.10% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +2.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WOOD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.5% 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 -63.8% for WOOD. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WOOD charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $39 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.59% against 2.34% for WOOD.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WOOD share 13 holdings out of 7882 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or WOOD?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WOOD charges 0.39%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WOOD?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.86% vs -0.73% for WOOD, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.89% vs +2.78% for WOOD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WOOD?
WOOD has been the more volatile fund at 22.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WOOD -63.8%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WOOD?
VXUS and WOOD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WOOD?
VXUS and WOOD share 13 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7882 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WOOD?
VXUS yields 2.59% while WOOD yields 2.34%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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