VXUS vs XTAP

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVXUSXTAPWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%0.79%
AUM$156.5B$23M
Dividend Yield2.60%0.00%
Holdings8,7477
YTD Return+14.57%+13.64%
1Y Return+27.82%+19.34%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.27%+17.46%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.28%+10.88%
Volatility (annualized)15.1%12.8%
Max Drawdown-39.9%-22.1%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Innovator ETFs Trust
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionJan 26, 2011Mar 31, 2021

VXUS vs XTAP Performance

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated Plus ETF - April (XTAP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XTAP returned +19.34%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 13.64% for XTAP.

Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +17.46% for XTAP; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +10.88% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XTAP has the edge at +11.61% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.8% for XTAP. 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 -22.1% for XTAP. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XTAP charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $79 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 0.00% for XTAP.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VXUS and XTAP share 0 holdings out of 7862 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 XTAP?

VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XTAP charges 0.79%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VXUS or XTAP?

Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +19.34% for XTAP, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +11.61% for XTAP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VXUS or XTAP?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.8% for XTAP. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XTAP -22.1%.

Should I hold both VXUS and XTAP?

VXUS and XTAP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XTAP?

VXUS and XTAP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XTAP?

VXUS yields 2.60% while XTAP yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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