VXUS vs XLCI
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XLCI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 11.76% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 3 | |
| YTD Return | +15.23% | +0.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.78% | +5.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.86% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.66% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 10.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -8.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jul 29, 2025 |
VXUS vs XLCI Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLCI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.78% while XLCI returned +5.86%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.23% versus a gain of 0.54% for XLCI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.6% for XLCI. 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 -8.4% for XLCI. 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 XLCI 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 11.76% for XLCI.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XLCI share 0 holdings out of 7870 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 XLCI?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLCI 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 XLCI?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.78% vs +5.86% for XLCI, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VXUS annualized +4.89% vs +6.56% for XLCI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLCI?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.6% for XLCI. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLCI -8.4%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLCI?
VXUS and XLCI 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 XLCI?
VXUS and XLCI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLCI?
VXUS yields 2.59% while XLCI yields 11.76%, so XLCI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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