VXUS vs WTMU
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs WisdomTree Core Laddered Municipal Fund ETF
Which is better, VXUS or WTMU?
Large Cap Blend against Municipal Bond.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y and the full window.
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 | WTMU |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.25% |
| AUM | $158.1B | $9M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 3.22% |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 89 |
| YTD Return | +13.44%Best | -4.02% |
| 1Y Return | +21.98%Best | -2.45% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.89% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.16% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 4.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -11.3% | -5.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.5 years | $14,708Best | $10,141 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Municipal Bond |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Apr 3, 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 Sep 25, 2026 (1.5 years).
VXUS vs WTMU 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 WTMU Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and WisdomTree Core Laddered Municipal Fund ETF (WTMU) is an ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VXUS returned +21.98% while WTMU returned -2.45%. Year to date, VXUS is up 13.44% versus a loss of 4.02% for WTMU.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.6% compared with 4.5% 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 -11.3% for VXUS and -5.9% for WTMU. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.73. 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 2.51% against 3.22% for WTMU.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and WTMU you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $20 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or WTMU?
Over the past year VXUS returned +21.98% vs -2.45% for WTMU, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VXUS annualized +29.33% vs +0.94% for WTMU. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WTMU?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 12.6% annualized versus 4.5% for WTMU. Worst drawdown: VXUS -11.3% vs WTMU -5.9%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WTMU?
VXUS and WTMU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WTMU?
VXUS yields 2.51% while WTMU yields 3.22%, so WTMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is WTMU better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.