VXUS vs XLRE
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR 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 | XLRE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $8.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 3.12% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 34 | |
| YTD Return | +15.23% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.78% | +11.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.86% | +11.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.66% | +2.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -39.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Oct 7, 2015 |
VXUS vs XLRE Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLRE) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.78% while XLRE returned +11.89%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.23% versus a gain of 13.38% for XLRE.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.86% per year against +11.55% for XLRE; over five years the annualized figures are +9.66% and +2.62% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, XLRE has the edge at +5.52% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLRE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -39.3% for XLRE. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XLRE charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $8 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.59% against 3.12% for XLRE.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XLRE share 1 holdings out of 7900 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VXUS | Weight in XLRE | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRM | 0.05% | 3.56% | 3.51% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XLRE?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLRE charges 0.08%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XLRE?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.78% vs +11.89% for XLRE, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VXUS annualized +4.89% vs +5.52% for XLRE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLRE?
XLRE has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLRE -39.3%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLRE?
VXUS and XLRE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XLRE?
VXUS and XLRE share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7900 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLRE?
VXUS yields 2.59% while XLRE yields 3.12%, so XLRE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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