VXUS vs XSMO

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XSMO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: XSMOMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVXUSXSMOWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%0.36%
AUM$156.5B$3.0B
Dividend Yield2.60%0.51%
Holdings8,747115
YTD Return+15.00%+22.95%
1Y Return+26.87%+27.23%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.79%+22.16%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.26%+11.59%
Volatility (annualized)15.1%275.0%
Max Drawdown-39.9%-78.8%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Invesco (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 26, 2011Mar 3, 2005

VXUS vs XSMO Performance

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P SmallCap Momentum ETF (XSMO) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +26.87% while XSMO returned +27.23%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.00% versus a gain of 22.95% for XSMO.

Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.79% per year against +22.16% for XSMO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.26% and +11.59% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XSMO has the edge at +14.96% annualized vs +4.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

XSMO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 275.0% 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 -78.8% for XSMO. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XSMO charges 0.36%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $36 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 0.51% for XSMO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VXUS and XSMO share 3 holdings out of 7969 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VXUSWeight in XSMODifference
ESE0.00%2.90%2.90%
SIG0.02%0.76%0.74%
AXL0.00%0.24%0.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VXUS or XSMO?

VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XSMO charges 0.36%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VXUS or XSMO?

Over the past year VXUS returned +26.87% vs +27.23% for XSMO, so XSMO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.88% vs +14.96% for XSMO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VXUS or XSMO?

XSMO has been the more volatile fund at 275.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XSMO -78.8%.

Should I hold both VXUS and XSMO?

VXUS and XSMO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XSMO?

VXUS and XSMO share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7969 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XSMO?

VXUS yields 2.60% while XSMO yields 0.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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