VXUS vs XDSQ
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated ETF - Quarterly
Which is better, VXUS or XDSQ?
Large Cap Blend against Multi Alternative.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y and 3Y, XDSQ over 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XDSQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.79% |
| AUM | $158.1B | $79M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 14 |
| YTD Return | +13.35%Best | +5.76% |
| 1Y Return | +22.44%Best | +11.60% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.44%Best | +14.67% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.82% | +9.43%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 13.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -26.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,260 | $15,692Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 31, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 1, 2021 to Sep 10, 2026 (5.4 years).
VXUS vs XDSQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.4 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs XDSQ Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated ETF - Quarterly (XDSQ) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VXUS returned +22.44% while XDSQ returned +11.60%. Year to date, VXUS is up 13.35% versus a gain of 5.76% for XDSQ.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.44% per year against +14.67% for XDSQ; over five years the annualized figures are +8.82% and +9.43% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% compared with 13.4% for XDSQ. 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 -29.4% for VXUS and -26.1% for XDSQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 XDSQ 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 2.51% against 0.00% for XDSQ.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 8,091 holdings in VXUS and 1 in XDSQ, totalling 87.7% and 98.6% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 66 days apart, VXUS as of Jun 30, 2026 and XDSQ as of Sep 4, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 8,091 positions we hold weights for in VXUS and 1 in XDSQ, against full books of 8,747 and 14.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and XDSQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XDSQ?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XDSQ charges 0.79%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $74 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or XDSQ?
Over the past year VXUS returned +22.44% vs +11.60% for XDSQ, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XDSQ?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 13.4% for XDSQ. Worst drawdown: VXUS -29.4% vs XDSQ -26.1%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XDSQ?
VXUS and XDSQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XDSQ?
VXUS yields 2.51% while XDSQ yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XDSQ better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y and 3Y, XDSQ over 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.