VXUS vs XIDE

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVXUSXIDEWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%0.85%
AUM$156.5B$23M
Dividend Yield2.60%6.34%
Holdings8,74715
YTD Return+14.57%+0.60%
1Y Return+27.82%+2.62%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.27%-
5Y Return (annualized)+9.28%-
Volatility (annualized)15.1%7.5%
Max Drawdown-39.9%-11.8%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)First Trust Portfolios (US)
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionJan 26, 2011Dec 15, 2023

VXUS vs XIDE Performance

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - December (XIDE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XIDE returned +2.62%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 0.60% for XIDE.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 7.5% for XIDE. 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 -11.8% for XIDE. 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XIDE charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $85 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 6.34% for XIDE.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VXUS and XIDE 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 XIDE?

VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XIDE charges 0.85%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VXUS or XIDE?

Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +2.62% for XIDE, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +0.32% for XIDE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VXUS or XIDE?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.5% for XIDE. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XIDE -11.8%.

Should I hold both VXUS and XIDE?

VXUS and XIDE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XIDE?

VXUS and XIDE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XIDE?

VXUS yields 2.60% while XIDE yields 6.34%, so XIDE currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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