VXUS vs XT
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.46% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $4.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 7.20% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 226 | |
| YTD Return | +15.52% | +19.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.73% | +32.55% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.35% | +19.04% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.40% | +7.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 17.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -34.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 19, 2015 |
VXUS vs XT Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +26.73% while XT returned +32.55%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.52% versus a gain of 19.42% for XT.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.35% per year against +19.04% for XT; over five years the annualized figures are +9.40% and +7.01% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, XT has the edge at +11.88% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -34.4% for XT. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XT charges 0.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $46 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.59% against 7.20% for XT.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XT share 65 holdings out of 8000 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XT?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XT charges 0.46%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XT?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.73% vs +32.55% for XT, so XT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VXUS annualized +4.90% vs +11.88% for XT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XT?
XT has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XT -34.4%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XT?
VXUS and XT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XT?
VXUS and XT share 65 common holdings with a 7.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8000 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XT?
VXUS yields 2.59% while XT yields 7.20%, so XT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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