VXUS vs XTN
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Transportation ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XTN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XTN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $401M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.64% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 45 | |
| YTD Return | +14.07% | +19.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.24% | +38.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +10.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | +6.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 23.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -44.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VXUS vs XTN Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (XTN) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% while XTN returned +38.68%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.07% versus a gain of 19.45% for XTN.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +10.72% for XTN; over five years the annualized figures are +9.14% and +6.29% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XTN has the edge at +10.16% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XTN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.1% 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 -44.9% for XTN. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XTN 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 0.64% for XTN.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XTN share 0 holdings out of 7864 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 XTN?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XTN 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 XTN?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% vs +38.68% for XTN, so XTN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +10.16% for XTN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XTN?
XTN has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XTN -44.9%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XTN?
VXUS and XTN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XTN?
VXUS and XTN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XTN?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XTN yields 0.64%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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