VXUS vs XRT
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Retail 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 | XRT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $524M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.77% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 77 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +6.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +12.72% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +12.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +0.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 24.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -66.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jun 19, 2006 |
VXUS vs XRT Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XRT returned +12.72%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 6.24% for XRT.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +12.19% for XRT; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +0.54% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XRT has the edge at +8.61% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XRT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -66.2% for XRT. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XRT 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 0.77% for XRT.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XRT share 0 holdings out of 7870 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 XRT?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XRT 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 XRT?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +12.72% for XRT, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +8.61% for XRT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XRT?
XRT has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XRT -66.2%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XRT?
VXUS and XRT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XRT?
VXUS and XRT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XRT?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XRT yields 0.77%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.