VXUS vs WSML
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF
Which is better, VXUS or WSML?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, WSML over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WSML |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.30% |
| AUM | $164.9B | $660M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 2.76% |
| Holdings | 8,844 | 3,540 |
| YTD Return | +12.44%Best | +12.30% |
| 1Y Return | +18.26%Best | +15.89% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.67% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6%Best | 13.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -11.3% | -10.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.5 years | $14,505 | $14,692Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Apr 1, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 3, 2025 to Oct 2, 2026 (1.5 years).
VXUS vs WSML growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.5 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs WSML Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares MSCI World Small-Cap ETF (WSML) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +18.26% while WSML returned +15.89%. Year to date, VXUS is up 12.44% versus a gain of 12.30% for WSML.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WSML has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.4% compared with 12.6% 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 -11.3% for VXUS and -10.7% for WSML. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 2.51% against 2.76% for WSML.
Holdings Overlap
At least 28.4% of WSML's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 89.3% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
WSML and VXUS share little of their money.
1,326 positions in common, counted across the 8,082 positions we hold weights for in VXUS and 3,564 in WSML, against full books of 8,844 and 3,540.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VXUS | Weight in WSML | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RMS:AURamelius Resources Ltd | 0.14% | 0.05% | 0.09% |
| NDA:BEAurubis Ag | 0.15% | 0.04% | 0.11% |
| JHX:AUJames Hardie Industries PLC | 0.03% | 0.15% | 0.12% |
| CNI:CACanadian Natl Railway Co | 0.15% | 0.01% | 0.14% |
| DOC:ATDo & Co Ag | 0.00% | 0.13% | 0.13% |
| IMG:CAIamgold Corp | 0.02% | 0.11% | 0.09% |
| HBM:CAHudbay Minerals Inc | 0.02% | 0.10% | 0.08% |
| BSL:AUBlueScope Steel Ltd. Shs New | 0.02% | 0.09% | 0.07% |
| DPM:CADundee Precious Metals Inc | 0.02% | 0.09% | 0.07% |
| 6963:JPRohm Co Ltd | 0.02% | 0.09% | 0.07% |
28.4% of WSML is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $25 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or WSML?
Over the past year VXUS returned +18.26% vs +15.89% for WSML, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VXUS annualized +28.14% vs +29.24% for WSML. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WSML?
WSML has been the more volatile fund at 13.4% annualized versus 12.6% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -11.3% 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. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WSML?
At least 28.4% of WSML's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 1,326 positions in common, counted across the 8,082 positions we hold weights for in VXUS and 3,564 in WSML.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WSML?
VXUS yields 2.51% while WSML yields 2.76%, so WSML currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is WSML better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, WSML over the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.