VXUS vs WTMU
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs WisdomTree Core Laddered Municipal Fund ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WTMU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $9M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 3.06% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 106 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | -0.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +3.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 3.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -4.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Apr 3, 2025 |
VXUS vs WTMU Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and WisdomTree Core Laddered Municipal Fund ETF (WTMU) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while WTMU returned +3.51%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a loss of 0.04% for WTMU.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.4% for WTMU. 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 -4.2% for WTMU. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WTMU charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $25 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 3.06% for WTMU.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WTMU share 0 holdings out of 7888 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or WTMU?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WTMU charges 0.25%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WTMU?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +3.51% for WTMU, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +4.13% for WTMU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WTMU?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.4% for WTMU. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WTMU -4.2%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WTMU?
VXUS and WTMU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WTMU?
VXUS and WTMU share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7888 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WTMU?
VXUS yields 2.60% while WTMU yields 3.06%, so WTMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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