VXUS vs XSHD
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend 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 | XSHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.30% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $73M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 5.04% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 57 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +11.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +12.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +1.42% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | -3.41% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 21.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -49.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Dec 1, 2016 |
VXUS vs XSHD Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (XSHD) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XSHD returned +12.67%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 11.89% for XSHD.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +1.42% for XSHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and -3.41% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XSHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -49.5% for XSHD. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XSHD charges 0.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $30 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 5.04% for XSHD.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XSHD share 1 holdings out of 7913 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VXUS | Weight in XSHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCL | 0.00% | 1.06% | 1.06% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XSHD?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XSHD charges 0.30%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XSHD?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +12.67% for XSHD, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs -0.24% for XSHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XSHD?
XSHD has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XSHD -49.5%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XSHD?
VXUS and XSHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XSHD?
VXUS and XSHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7913 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XSHD?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XSHD yields 5.04%, so XSHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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