VXUS vs XAUG
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - August
Which is better, VXUS or XAUG?
Large Cap Blend against Multi Alternative.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | XAUG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.85% |
| AUM | $158.1B | $26M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 12 |
| YTD Return | +12.82%Best | +5.72% |
| 1Y Return | +19.86%Best | +7.91% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.33%Best | +9.59% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.46% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 4.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -8.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.1 years | $17,318Best | $13,302 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Aug 18, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 21, 2023 to Sep 18, 2026 (3.1 years).
VXUS vs XAUG 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 3.1 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs XAUG Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - August (XAUG) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +19.86% while XAUG returned +7.91%. Year to date, VXUS is up 12.82% versus a gain of 5.72% for XAUG.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.33% per year against +9.59% for XAUG.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.1% compared with 4.3% for XAUG. 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 -13.6% for VXUS and -8.7% for XAUG. 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 XAUG charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $85 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.51% against 0.00% for XAUG.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and XAUG 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 XAUG?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XAUG charges 0.85%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $80 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or XAUG?
Over the past year VXUS returned +19.86% vs +7.91% for XAUG, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XAUG?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 12.1% annualized versus 4.3% for XAUG. Worst drawdown: VXUS -13.6% vs XAUG -8.7%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XAUG?
VXUS and XAUG 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 XAUG?
VXUS yields 2.51% while XAUG yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XAUG better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.