VXUS vs XLUI
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street Utilities 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 | XLUI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $26M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 12.29% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 14 | |
| YTD Return | +14.07% | +3.88% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.24% | +4.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 9.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -6.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jul 29, 2025 |
VXUS vs XLUI Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLUI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% while XLUI returned +4.24%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.07% versus a gain of 3.88% for XLUI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.9% for XLUI. 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 -6.8% for XLUI. 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XLUI 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 12.29% for XLUI.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XLUI 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 XLUI?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLUI 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 XLUI?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% vs +4.24% for XLUI, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +5.05% for XLUI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLUI?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.9% for XLUI. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLUI -6.8%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLUI?
VXUS and XLUI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XLUI?
VXUS and XLUI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLUI?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XLUI yields 12.29%, so XLUI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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