VXUS vs WUGI
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs AXS Esoterica NextG Economy ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WUGI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $33M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 0.25% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +15.44% | +22.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.36% | +4.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.98% | +27.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.68% | +10.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 29.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -56.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | AXS Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 31, 2020 |
VXUS vs WUGI Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and AXS Esoterica NextG Economy ETF (WUGI) is a ETF from AXS Investments. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.36% while WUGI returned +4.06%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.44% versus a gain of 22.17% for WUGI.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.98% per year against +27.49% for WUGI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.68% and +10.66% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, WUGI has the edge at +22.20% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WUGI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.0% 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 -56.4% for WUGI. 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WUGI charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $79 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.59% against 0.25% for WUGI.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WUGI share 0 holdings out of 7898 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 WUGI?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WUGI charges 0.79%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WUGI?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.36% vs +4.06% for WUGI, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VXUS annualized +4.90% vs +22.20% for WUGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WUGI?
WUGI has been the more volatile fund at 29.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WUGI -56.4%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WUGI?
VXUS and WUGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WUGI?
VXUS and WUGI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7898 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WUGI?
VXUS yields 2.59% while WUGI yields 0.25%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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