VXUS vs XRLV
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Invesco S&P 500 ex-Rate Sensitive Low Volatility ETF
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 | XRLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $29M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 2.08% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 102 | |
| YTD Return | +15.24% | +6.61% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.32% | +5.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.85% | +8.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.23% | +8.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 13.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -38.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Apr 6, 2015 |
VXUS vs XRLV Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P 500 ex-Rate Sensitive Low Volatility ETF (XRLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +26.32% while XRLV returned +5.58%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.24% versus a gain of 6.61% for XRLV.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.85% per year against +8.59% for XRLV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.23% and +8.58% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, XRLV has the edge at +9.89% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.5% for XRLV. 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 -38.3% for XRLV. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XRLV 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 2.60% against 2.08% for XRLV.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XRLV share 0 holdings out of 7961 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 XRLV?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XRLV charges 0.25%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XRLV?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.32% vs +5.58% for XRLV, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VXUS annualized +4.89% vs +9.89% for XRLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XRLV?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.5% for XRLV. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XRLV -38.3%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XRLV?
VXUS and XRLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XRLV?
VXUS and XRLV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7961 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XRLV?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XRLV yields 2.08%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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