VXUS vs XJAN
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - January
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 | XJAN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $41M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +5.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +10.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 4.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -10.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jan 22, 2024 |
VXUS vs XJAN Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - January (XJAN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XJAN returned +10.27%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 5.73% for XJAN.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.5% for XJAN. 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 XJAN. 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 XJAN 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 0.00% for XJAN.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XJAN 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 XJAN?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XJAN 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 XJAN?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +10.27% for XJAN, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +9.51% for XJAN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XJAN?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.5% for XJAN. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XJAN -10.0%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XJAN?
VXUS and XJAN 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 XJAN?
VXUS and XJAN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XJAN?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XJAN yields 0.00%, 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.