VXUS vs XMLV
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Invesco S&P MidCap Low Volatility ETF
Which is better, VXUS or XMLV?
Large Cap Blend against Mid Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, XMLV over 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 | XMLV |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.25% |
| AUM | $158.1B | $738M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 2.90% |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 82 |
| YTD Return | +13.64%Best | +7.41% |
| 1Y Return | +20.82%Best | +7.39% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.58%Best | +11.56% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14%Best | +6.70% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 13.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9%Best | -40.5% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,485Best | $13,830 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Mid Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Feb 12, 2013 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 15, 2013 to Sep 17, 2026 (13.6 years).
VXUS vs XMLV 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 13.6 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs XMLV Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P MidCap Low Volatility ETF (XMLV) is an ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +20.82% while XMLV returned +7.39%. Year to date, VXUS is up 13.64% versus a gain of 7.41% for XMLV.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.58% per year against +11.56% for XMLV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.14% and +6.70% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, XMLV has the edge at +8.29% annualized vs +5.73%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.4% compared with 13.4% for XMLV. 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 -40.5% for XMLV. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XMLV charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $25 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.51% against 2.90% for XMLV.
Holdings Overlap
At least 2.7% of XMLV's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
XMLV and VXUS share little of their money.
2 positions in common, counted across the 8,082 positions we hold weights for in VXUS and 81 in XMLV, against full books of 8,747 and 82.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and XMLV 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 XMLV?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XMLV charges 0.25%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $20 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or XMLV?
Over the past year VXUS returned +20.82% vs +7.39% for XMLV, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VXUS annualized +5.73% vs +8.29% for XMLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XMLV?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.4% annualized versus 13.4% for XMLV. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XMLV -40.5%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XMLV?
VXUS and XMLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XMLV?
At least 2.7% of XMLV's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 2 positions in common, counted across the 8,082 positions we hold weights for in VXUS and 81 in XMLV.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XMLV?
VXUS yields 2.51% while XMLV yields 2.90%, so XMLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XMLV better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, XMLV over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.