VXUS vs XMAY
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - May
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 | XMAY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $19M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +5.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +9.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 3.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -8.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | May 17, 2024 |
VXUS vs XMAY Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - May (XMAY) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XMAY returned +9.15%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 5.16% for XMAY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.0% for XMAY. 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 -8.2% for XMAY. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XMAY 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 XMAY.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XMAY 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 XMAY?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XMAY 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 XMAY?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +9.15% for XMAY, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +10.03% for XMAY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XMAY?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.0% for XMAY. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XMAY -8.2%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XMAY?
VXUS and XMAY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XMAY?
VXUS and XMAY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XMAY?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XMAY yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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