VXUS vs XSLV
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XSLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $250M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 2.06% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 119 | |
| YTD Return | +15.44% | +16.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.36% | +19.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.98% | +11.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.68% | +4.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -45.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Feb 12, 2013 |
VXUS vs XSLV Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF (XSLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +26.36% while XSLV returned +19.03%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.44% versus a gain of 16.36% for XSLV.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.98% per year against +11.34% for XSLV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.68% and +4.46% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, XSLV has the edge at +6.59% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XSLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -45.3% for XSLV. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XSLV 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 2.59% against 2.06% for XSLV.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XSLV share 2 holdings out of 7982 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 XSLV?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XSLV 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 XSLV?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.36% vs +19.03% for XSLV, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VXUS annualized +4.90% vs +6.59% for XSLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XSLV?
XSLV has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XSLV -45.3%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XSLV?
VXUS and XSLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XSLV?
VXUS and XSLV share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7982 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XSLV?
VXUS yields 2.59% while XSLV yields 2.06%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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