VXUS vs XMAR
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March
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 | XMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $156M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +8.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +11.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +11.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 3.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -7.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 17, 2023 |
VXUS vs XMAR Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March (XMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XMAR returned +11.92%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 8.18% for XMAR.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +11.00% for XMAR. Across the full 3-year window we track, XMAR has the edge at +11.61% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.3% for XMAR. 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 -7.3% for XMAR. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XMAR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $85 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 0.00% for XMAR.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XMAR 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 XMAR?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XMAR charges 0.85%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XMAR?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +11.92% for XMAR, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +11.61% for XMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XMAR?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.3% for XMAR. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XMAR -7.3%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XMAR?
VXUS and XMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XMAR?
VXUS and XMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XMAR?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XMAR yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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