VXUS vs XDEF
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XDEF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $4M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 1.57% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 32 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | -2.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | - | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | - | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -19.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Xtrackers ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Feb 19, 2026 |
VXUS vs XDEF Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a loss of 2.55% for XDEF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -39.9% for VXUS and -19.0% for XDEF. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XDEF 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 2.60% against 1.57% for XDEF.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XDEF share 19 holdings out of 7877 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XDEF?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XDEF charges 0.35%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XDEF?
VXUS and XDEF share 19 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7877 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XDEF?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XDEF yields 1.57%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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