VXUS vs XLSI
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street Consumer Staples 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XLSI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 9.72% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 8 | |
| YTD Return | +14.19% | +6.01% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.38% | +3.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.53% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 10.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -7.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jul 29, 2025 |
VXUS vs XLSI Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLSI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% while XLSI returned +3.52%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.19% versus a gain of 6.01% for XLSI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.5% for XLSI. 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 -7.9% for XLSI. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XLSI 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 2.60% against 9.72% for XLSI.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XLSI 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 XLSI?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLSI 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 XLSI?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% vs +3.52% for XLSI, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +5.26% for XLSI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLSI?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.5% for XLSI. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLSI -7.9%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLSI?
VXUS and XLSI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XLSI?
VXUS and XLSI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLSI?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XLSI yields 9.72%, so XLSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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