VXUS vs XOP
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XOP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XOP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $3.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 2.11% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 53 | |
| YTD Return | +15.24% | +40.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.32% | +46.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.85% | +8.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.23% | +20.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 37.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -91.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jun 19, 2006 |
VXUS vs XOP Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.32% while XOP returned +46.75%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.24% versus a gain of 40.18% for XOP.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.85% per year against +8.95% for XOP; over five years the annualized figures are +9.23% and +20.13% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +1.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XOP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.1% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -91.0% for XOP. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XOP 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 2.11% for XOP.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XOP share 0 holdings out of 7913 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 XOP?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XOP 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 XOP?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.32% vs +46.75% for XOP, so XOP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.89% vs +1.92% for XOP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XOP?
XOP has been the more volatile fund at 37.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XOP -91.0%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XOP?
VXUS and XOP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XOP?
VXUS and XOP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7913 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XOP?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XOP yields 2.11%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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