VXUS vs WSML
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. WSML delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WSML | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $654M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 2.76% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 3,540 | |
| YTD Return | +14.19% | +17.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.38% | +29.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.53% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -10.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Apr 1, 2025 |
VXUS vs WSML Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% while WSML returned +29.74%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.19% versus a gain of 17.27% for WSML.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.0% for WSML. 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 -10.7% for WSML. 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WSML charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $30 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 2.76% for WSML.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WSML share 583 holdings out of 8833 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or WSML?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WSML charges 0.30%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WSML?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% vs +29.74% for WSML, so WSML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +37.08% for WSML. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WSML?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.0% for WSML. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WSML -10.7%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WSML?
VXUS and WSML have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WSML?
VXUS and WSML share 583 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8833 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WSML?
VXUS yields 2.60% while WSML yields 2.76%, so WSML currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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