VXUS vs XTJA

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

MetricVXUSXTJAWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%0.79%
AUM$156.5B$21M
Dividend Yield2.60%0.00%
Holdings8,7475
YTD Return+14.57%+10.10%
1Y Return+27.82%+16.31%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.27%+14.71%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.28%-
Volatility (annualized)15.1%13.8%
Max Drawdown-39.9%-26.2%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Innovator ETFs Trust
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionJan 26, 2011Dec 31, 2021

VXUS vs XTJA Performance

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated Plus ETF - January (XTJA) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XTJA returned +16.31%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 10.10% for XTJA.

Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +14.71% for XTJA. Across the full 5-year window we track, XTJA has the edge at +7.62% 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 13.8% for XTJA. 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 -26.2% for XTJA. 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 XTJA 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 XTJA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VXUS or XTJA?

VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XTJA 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 XTJA?

Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +16.31% for XTJA, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +7.62% for XTJA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VXUS or XTJA?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.8% for XTJA. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XTJA -26.2%.

Should I hold both VXUS and XTJA?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XTJA?

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

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