VXUS vs YSEP
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September
Which is better, VXUS or YSEP?
Large Cap Blend against Multi Alternative.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.95.
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 | YSEP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.90% |
| AUM | $158.1B | $125M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +14.48%Best | +8.80% |
| 1Y Return | +22.28%Best | +12.30% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.00%Best | +13.18% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.91%Best | +7.33% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 11.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -28.9% | -22.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,323Best | $14,243 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Sep 17, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 20, 2021 to Sep 11, 2026 (5 years).
VXUS vs YSEP 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 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs YSEP Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (YSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +22.28% while YSEP returned +12.30%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.48% versus a gain of 8.80% for YSEP.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.00% per year against +13.18% for YSEP; over five years the annualized figures are +8.91% and +7.33% respectively.
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 11.1% for YSEP. 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 -28.9% for VXUS and -22.6% for YSEP. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.95. 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 YSEP 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 YSEP.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and YSEP 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 YSEP?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while YSEP charges 0.90%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $85 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or YSEP?
Over the past year VXUS returned +22.28% vs +12.30% for YSEP, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or YSEP?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.1% for YSEP. Worst drawdown: VXUS -28.9% vs YSEP -22.6%.
Should I hold both VXUS and YSEP?
VXUS and YSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 YSEP?
VXUS yields 2.51% while YSEP yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is YSEP 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 0.95. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.