VXUS vs WTMY
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs WisdomTree High Income 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 | WTMY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $5M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 3.40% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 147 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +0.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +5.09% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 4.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -3.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Apr 3, 2025 |
VXUS vs WTMY Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and WisdomTree High Income Laddered Municipal Fund ETF (WTMY) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while WTMY returned +5.09%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 0.95% for WTMY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.0% for WTMY. 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 -3.7% for WTMY. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WTMY charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $35 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 3.40% for WTMY.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WTMY share 0 holdings out of 7889 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 WTMY?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WTMY charges 0.35%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WTMY?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +5.09% for WTMY, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +4.07% for WTMY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WTMY?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.0% for WTMY. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WTMY -3.7%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WTMY?
VXUS and WTMY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WTMY?
VXUS and WTMY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7889 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WTMY?
VXUS yields 2.60% while WTMY yields 3.40%, so WTMY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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