Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVXUSXBOCWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%0.79%
AUM$156.5B$65M
Dividend Yield2.60%0.00%
Holdings8,7477
YTD Return+14.57%+7.45%
1Y Return+27.82%+11.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.27%+11.70%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.28%-
Volatility (annualized)15.1%8.3%
Max Drawdown-39.9%-13.3%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Innovator ETFs Trust
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionJan 26, 2011Oct 1, 2021

VXUS vs XBOC Performance

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - October (XBOC) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XBOC returned +11.82%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 7.45% for XBOC.

Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +11.70% for XBOC. Across the full 5-year window we track, XBOC has the edge at +8.57% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 8.3% for XBOC. 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 -13.3% for XBOC. 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 XBOC 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 2.60% against 0.00% for XBOC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VXUS or XBOC?

VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XBOC 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 XBOC?

Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +11.82% for XBOC, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +8.57% for XBOC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VXUS or XBOC?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.3% for XBOC. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XBOC -13.3%.

Should I hold both VXUS and XBOC?

VXUS and XBOC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XBOC?

VXUS yields 2.60% while XBOC yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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