VXUS vs XDSQ
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated ETF - Quarterly
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 | XDSQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $70M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +14.07% | +6.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.24% | +15.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +15.52% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | +9.81% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -26.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 31, 2021 |
VXUS vs XDSQ Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated ETF - Quarterly (XDSQ) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% while XDSQ returned +15.26%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.07% versus a gain of 6.63% for XDSQ.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +15.52% for XDSQ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.14% and +9.81% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XDSQ has the edge at +10.80% annualized vs +4.83%. 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 13.5% 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 -39.9% for VXUS and -26.1% for XDSQ. 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 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 2.60% against 0.00% for XDSQ.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XDSQ 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 XDSQ?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XDSQ charges 0.79%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XDSQ?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% vs +15.26% for XDSQ, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +10.80% for XDSQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XDSQ?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.5% for XDSQ. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XDSQ -26.1%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XDSQ?
VXUS and XDSQ 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 XDSQ?
VXUS and XDSQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XDSQ?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XDSQ yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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