VXUS vs XLSR
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street US Sector Rotation 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 | XLSR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.70% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $1.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 0.46% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 21 | |
| YTD Return | +13.56% | +6.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.30% | +16.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.24% | +16.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.37% | +9.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -32.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Apr 2, 2019 |
VXUS vs XLSR Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street US Sector Rotation ETF (XLSR) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +24.30% while XLSR returned +16.21%. Year to date, VXUS is up 13.56% versus a gain of 6.45% for XLSR.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.24% per year against +16.70% for XLSR; over five years the annualized figures are +9.37% and +9.53% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, XLSR has the edge at +12.41% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLSR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -32.9% for XLSR. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XLSR charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $70 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.59% against 0.46% for XLSR.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XLSR share 0 holdings out of 7903 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 XLSR?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLSR charges 0.70%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XLSR?
Over the past year VXUS returned +24.30% vs +16.21% for XLSR, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), VXUS annualized +4.79% vs +12.41% for XLSR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLSR?
XLSR has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLSR -32.9%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLSR?
VXUS and XLSR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XLSR?
VXUS and XLSR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLSR?
VXUS yields 2.59% while XLSR yields 0.46%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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