VXUS vs YMAR
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March
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 | YMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $161M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.19% | +7.97% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.38% | +13.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.53% | +11.62% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | +6.75% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 10.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 19, 2021 |
VXUS vs YMAR Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (YMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% while YMAR returned +13.86%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.19% versus a gain of 7.97% for YMAR.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.53% per year against +11.62% for YMAR; over five years the annualized figures are +9.03% and +6.75% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, YMAR has the edge at +7.22% annualized vs +4.83%. 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 10.1% for YMAR. 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 -22.6% for YMAR. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while YMAR charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $90 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 0.00% for YMAR.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and YMAR 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 YMAR?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while YMAR charges 0.90%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or YMAR?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.38% vs +13.86% for YMAR, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +7.22% for YMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or YMAR?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.1% for YMAR. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs YMAR -22.6%.
Should I hold both VXUS and YMAR?
VXUS and YMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and YMAR?
VXUS and YMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or YMAR?
VXUS yields 2.60% while YMAR yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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