VXUS vs XPH
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XPH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $479M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.51% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 67 | |
| YTD Return | +14.19% | +26.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.38% | +60.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.53% | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | +8.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -52.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jun 19, 2006 |
VXUS vs XPH Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% while XPH returned +60.86%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.19% versus a gain of 26.59% for XPH.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.53% per year against +18.34% for XPH; over five years the annualized figures are +9.03% and +8.51% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XPH has the edge at +8.05% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XPH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -52.7% for XPH. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XPH 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 0.51% for XPH.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XPH share 0 holdings out of 7921 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 XPH?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XPH 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 XPH?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% vs +60.86% for XPH, so XPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +8.05% for XPH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XPH?
XPH has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XPH -52.7%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XPH?
VXUS and XPH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XPH?
VXUS and XPH share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7921 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XPH?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XPH yields 0.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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