VXUS vs XDEC
VXUS vs XDEC
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - December
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XDEC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $202M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +6.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +10.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +9.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 6.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -11.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Dec 17, 2021 |
VXUS vs XDEC Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - December (XDEC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XDEC returned +10.51%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 6.10% for XDEC.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +9.78% for XDEC. Across the full 5-year window we track, XDEC has the edge at +8.15% 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 6.9% for XDEC. 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 -11.8% for XDEC. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XDEC 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 2.60% against 0.00% for XDEC.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XDEC share 0 holdings out of 7862 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XDEC?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XDEC charges 0.85%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XDEC?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +10.51% for XDEC, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +8.15% for XDEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XDEC?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.9% for XDEC. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XDEC -11.8%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XDEC?
VXUS and XDEC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XDEC?
VXUS and XDEC share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XDEC?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XDEC yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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