VXUS vs YMAR
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March
Which is better, VXUS or YMAR?
Large Cap Blend against Option Writing.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | YMAR |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.90% |
| AUM | $158.1B | $162M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +12.82%Best | +7.40% |
| 1Y Return | +19.86%Best | +11.02% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.33%Best | +11.73% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.46%Best | +7.03% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 10.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -22.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,714Best | $14,045 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Option Writing |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 19, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 22, 2021 to Sep 18, 2026 (5.5 years).
VXUS vs YMAR growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.5 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs YMAR Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (YMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +19.86% while YMAR returned +11.02%. Year to date, VXUS is up 12.82% versus a gain of 7.40% for YMAR.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.33% per year against +11.73% for YMAR; over five years the annualized figures are +9.46% and +7.03% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +8.94% annualized vs +6.97%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.0% 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 -29.4% for VXUS and -22.6% for YMAR. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 2.51% against 0.00% for YMAR.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and YMAR you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $85 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or YMAR?
Over the past year VXUS returned +19.86% vs +11.02% for YMAR, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VXUS annualized +8.94% vs +6.97% for YMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or YMAR?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.0% for YMAR. Worst drawdown: VXUS -29.4% 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. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or YMAR?
VXUS yields 2.51% while YMAR yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is YMAR better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.