VXUS vs YLD
VXUS vs YLD
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Principal Active High Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | YLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $580M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 7.26% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 148 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +3.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +5.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +8.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +4.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 8.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -30.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Principal Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jul 8, 2015 |
VXUS vs YLD Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) is a ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while YLD returned +5.35%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 3.46% for YLD.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +8.24% for YLD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +4.59% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.61%. 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 8.7% for YLD. 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 -30.3% for YLD. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while YLD charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $39 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 7.26% for YLD.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and YLD share 0 holdings out of 7970 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 YLD?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while YLD charges 0.39%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or YLD?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +5.35% for YLD, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +2.61% for YLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or YLD?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.7% for YLD. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs YLD -30.3%.
Should I hold both VXUS and YLD?
VXUS and YLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and YLD?
VXUS and YLD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7970 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or YLD?
VXUS yields 2.60% while YLD yields 7.26%, so YLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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