VXUS vs XPND
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs First Trust Expanded Technology ETF
Which is better, VXUS or XPND?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Growth.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, XPND over 3Y, 5Y 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 | XPND |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.65% |
| AUM | $158.1B | $39M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 0.08% |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 102 |
| YTD Return | +12.21%Best | +6.63% |
| 1Y Return | +19.22%Best | +6.58% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.10% | +22.01%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.63% | +12.26%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9%Best | 21.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4%Best | -38.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,127 | $17,829Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Growth |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jun 14, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 15, 2021 to Sep 16, 2026 (5.3 years).
VXUS vs XPND 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 5.3 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs XPND Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and First Trust Expanded Technology ETF (XPND) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +19.22% while XPND returned +6.58%. Year to date, VXUS is up 12.21% versus a gain of 6.63% for XPND.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.10% per year against +22.01% for XPND; over five years the annualized figures are +8.63% and +12.26% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XPND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% compared with 14.9% 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 -29.4% for VXUS and -38.0% for XPND. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.69. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XPND charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $65 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.51% against 0.08% for XPND.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 8,082 holdings in VXUS and 50 in XPND, totalling 88.8% and 99.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 8,082 positions we hold weights for in VXUS and 50 in XPND, against full books of 8,747 and 102.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and XPND 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 XPND?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XPND charges 0.65%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $60 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or XPND?
Over the past year VXUS returned +19.22% vs +6.58% for XPND, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XPND?
XPND has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 14.9% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -29.4% vs XPND -38.0%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XPND?
VXUS and XPND have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, 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 XPND?
VXUS yields 2.51% while XPND yields 0.08%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XPND better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, XPND over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.