VXUS vs XTL
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Telecom ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XTL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XTL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $573M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 1.16% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 42 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +38.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +75.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +44.04% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +17.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 20.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -37.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VXUS vs XTL Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XTL returned +75.39%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 38.57% for XTL.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +44.04% for XTL; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +17.89% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XTL has the edge at +10.06% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -37.0% for XTL. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XTL charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $35 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 1.16% for XTL.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XTL 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 XTL?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XTL charges 0.35%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XTL?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +75.39% for XTL, so XTL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +10.06% for XTL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XTL?
XTL has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XTL -37.0%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XTL?
VXUS and XTL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XTL?
VXUS and XTL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XTL?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XTL yields 1.16%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.