VXUS vs WTAI
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. WTAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WTAI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $716M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 1.35% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 75 | |
| YTD Return | +15.52% | +41.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.73% | +61.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.35% | +32.62% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.40% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 33.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -45.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Dec 9, 2021 |
VXUS vs WTAI Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund ETF (WTAI) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.73% while WTAI returned +61.81%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.52% versus a gain of 41.12% for WTAI.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.35% per year against +32.62% for WTAI. Across the full 5-year window we track, WTAI has the edge at +11.81% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WTAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.4% 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 -45.9% for WTAI. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WTAI charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $45 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.59% against 1.35% for WTAI.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WTAI share 7 holdings out of 7913 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or WTAI?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WTAI charges 0.45%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WTAI?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.73% vs +61.81% for WTAI, so WTAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VXUS annualized +4.90% vs +11.81% for WTAI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WTAI?
WTAI has been the more volatile fund at 33.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WTAI -45.9%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WTAI?
VXUS and WTAI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WTAI?
VXUS and WTAI share 7 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7913 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WTAI?
VXUS yields 2.59% while WTAI yields 1.35%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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