VXUS vs XEMD
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs BondBloxx JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets 1-10 Year Bond ETF
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 | XEMD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.29% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $842M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 5.87% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 465 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +1.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +6.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +9.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 6.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -10.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | BondBloxx | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jun 30, 2022 |
VXUS vs XEMD Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and BondBloxx JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets 1-10 Year Bond ETF (XEMD) is a ETF from BondBloxx. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XEMD returned +6.81%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 1.60% for XEMD.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +9.76% for XEMD. Across the full 4-year window we track, XEMD has the edge at +8.74% 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 6.6% for XEMD. 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 -10.0% for XEMD. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XEMD charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $29 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 5.87% for XEMD.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XEMD share 3 holdings out of 8004 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VXUS | Weight in XEMD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARGENT 4.125 07/09/3 | 0.00% | 1.63% | 1.63% |
| ARGENT 5 01/09/38 | 0.00% | 0.95% | 0.95% |
| ARGENT 3.5 07/09/41 | 0.00% | 0.77% | 0.77% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XEMD?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XEMD charges 0.29%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XEMD?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +6.81% for XEMD, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +8.74% for XEMD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XEMD?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.6% for XEMD. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XEMD -10.0%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XEMD?
VXUS and XEMD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XEMD?
VXUS and XEMD share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8004 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XEMD?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XEMD yields 5.87%, so XEMD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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