VXUS vs XJR
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs iShares ESG Select Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XJR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XJR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $191M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 0.94% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 602 | |
| YTD Return | +15.22% | +23.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.86% | +28.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.34% | +15.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.38% | +7.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 20.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -27.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Sep 22, 2020 |
VXUS vs XJR Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares ESG Select Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +26.86% while XJR returned +28.89%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.22% versus a gain of 23.89% for XJR.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.34% per year against +15.95% for XJR; over five years the annualized figures are +9.38% and +7.65% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, XJR has the edge at +15.41% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XJR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -27.1% for XJR. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XJR charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $12 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.59% against 0.94% for XJR.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XJR share 0 holdings out of 7900 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 XJR?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XJR charges 0.12%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XJR?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.86% vs +28.89% for XJR, so XJR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VXUS annualized +4.89% vs +15.41% for XJR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XJR?
XJR has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XJR -27.1%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XJR?
VXUS and XJR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XJR?
VXUS and XJR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7900 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XJR?
VXUS yields 2.59% while XJR yields 0.94%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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