VXUS vs XES
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XES delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XES | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $382M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 1.17% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 36 | |
| YTD Return | +15.22% | +46.91% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.86% | +90.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.34% | +11.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.38% | +21.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 39.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -96.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jun 19, 2006 |
VXUS vs XES Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF (XES) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.86% while XES returned +90.48%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.22% versus a gain of 46.91% for XES.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.34% per year against +11.97% for XES; over five years the annualized figures are +9.38% and +21.67% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs -3.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.8% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -96.1% for XES. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XES 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 2.59% against 1.17% for XES.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XES share 0 holdings out of 7904 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 XES?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XES charges 0.35%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XES?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.86% vs +90.48% for XES, so XES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.89% vs -3.71% for XES. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XES?
XES has been the more volatile fund at 39.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XES -96.1%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XES?
VXUS and XES have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XES?
VXUS and XES share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7904 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XES?
VXUS yields 2.59% while XES yields 1.17%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.