VXUS vs XCEM
VXUS vs XCEM
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XCEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XCEM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.16% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $2.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 2.40% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 338 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +26.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +47.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +23.18% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +10.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -41.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Sep 1, 2015 |
VXUS vs XCEM Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XCEM returned +47.57%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 26.30% for XCEM.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +23.18% for XCEM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +10.89% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, XCEM has the edge at +11.72% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XCEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -41.2% for XCEM. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XCEM charges 0.16%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $16 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 2.40% for XCEM.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XCEM share 321 holdings out of 7982 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VXUS | Weight in XCEM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000660:KR | 0.90% | 3.55% | 2.65% |
| 2454:TW | 0.20% | 1.44% | 1.24% |
| 2308:TW | 0.20% | 1.42% | 1.22% |
| 2317:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HDB:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RELIANCE:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 009150:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 006400:KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 1120:SA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VALE3:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VXUS shares with XCEM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XCEM?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XCEM charges 0.16%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XCEM?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +47.57% for XCEM, so XCEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +11.72% for XCEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XCEM?
XCEM has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XCEM -41.2%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XCEM?
VXUS and XCEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XCEM?
VXUS and XCEM share 321 common holdings with a 9.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7982 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XCEM?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XCEM yields 2.40%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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