VXUS vs XMAR
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, VXUS or XMAR?
Large Cap Blend against Multi Alternative.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.85% |
| AUM | $158.1B | $154M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 12 |
| YTD Return | +14.94%Best | +9.06% |
| 1Y Return | +21.99%Best | +11.23% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.89%Best | +11.26% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.48% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 3.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -7.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.5 years | $18,313Best | $14,605 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 17, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 20, 2023 to Sep 22, 2026 (3.5 years).
VXUS vs XMAR growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3.5 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs XMAR Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March (XMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +21.99% while XMAR returned +11.23%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.94% versus a gain of 9.06% for XMAR.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.89% per year against +11.26% for XMAR. Across the full 4-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +18.87% annualized vs +11.43%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.1% 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 -13.6% for VXUS and -7.3% for XMAR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.61. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
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 2.51% against 0.00% for XMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and XMAR you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $80 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or XMAR?
Over the past year VXUS returned +21.99% vs +11.23% for XMAR, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), VXUS annualized +18.87% vs +11.43% for XMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XMAR?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 12.1% annualized versus 3.3% for XMAR. Worst drawdown: VXUS -13.6% vs XMAR -7.3%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XMAR?
VXUS and XMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XMAR?
VXUS yields 2.51% while XMAR yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XMAR better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.