VXUS vs XISE
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - September
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 | XISE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $36M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 5.90% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 9 | |
| YTD Return | +14.07% | +0.41% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.24% | +2.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +5.23% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 2.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -6.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Sep 15, 2023 |
VXUS vs XISE Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - September (XISE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% while XISE returned +2.17%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.07% versus a gain of 0.41% for XISE.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +5.23% for XISE. Across the full 3-year window we track, XISE has the edge at +5.23% 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 2.4% for XISE. 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 -6.2% for XISE. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XISE 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 5.90% for XISE.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XISE 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 XISE?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XISE 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 XISE?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% vs +2.17% for XISE, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +5.23% for XISE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XISE?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.4% for XISE. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XISE -6.2%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XISE?
VXUS and XISE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XISE?
VXUS and XISE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XISE?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XISE yields 5.90%, so XISE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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