VXUS vs XBI
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Biotech ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XBI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XBI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $10.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 0.39% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 157 | |
| YTD Return | +14.26% | +39.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.40% | +91.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.47% | +29.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.76% | +7.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 27.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -63.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jan 31, 2006 |
VXUS vs XBI Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +25.40% while XBI returned +91.81%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.26% versus a gain of 39.66% for XBI.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.47% per year against +29.65% for XBI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.76% and +7.53% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XBI has the edge at +12.08% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XBI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.1% 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 -63.9% for XBI. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XBI 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 2.59% against 0.39% for XBI.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XBI share 1 holdings out of 8021 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VXUS | Weight in XBI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 601318:SH | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XBI?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XBI 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 XBI?
Over the past year VXUS returned +25.40% vs +91.81% for XBI, so XBI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +12.08% for XBI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XBI?
XBI has been the more volatile fund at 27.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XBI -63.9%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XBI?
VXUS and XBI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XBI?
VXUS and XBI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8021 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XBI?
VXUS yields 2.59% while XBI yields 0.39%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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