VXUS vs XCNY
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Markets ex-China ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XCNY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XCNY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.19% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $9M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 2.26% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 1,234 | |
| YTD Return | +14.19% | +17.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.38% | +29.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.53% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -18.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Sep 4, 2024 |
VXUS vs XCNY Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (XCNY) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% while XCNY returned +29.93%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.19% versus a gain of 17.19% for XCNY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.3% for XCNY. 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 -18.9% for XCNY. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XCNY charges 0.19%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $19 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 2.26% for XCNY.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XCNY share 905 holdings out of 8151 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VXUS | Weight in XCNY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2330:TW | 3.41% | 17.30% | 13.89% |
| 2308:TW | 0.20% | 1.67% | 1.47% |
| HDB:MB | 0.25% | 1.14% | 0.89% |
| 2454:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2345:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2317:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ICICIBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 1120:SA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VALE3:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BHARTIARTL:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XCNY?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XCNY charges 0.19%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XCNY?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% vs +29.93% for XCNY, so XCNY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +18.93% for XCNY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XCNY?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.3% for XCNY. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XCNY -18.9%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XCNY?
VXUS and XCNY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XCNY?
VXUS and XCNY share 905 common holdings with a 12.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8151 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XCNY?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XCNY yields 2.26%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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