Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVXUSYSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%1.15%
AUM$156.5B$11M
Dividend Yield2.60%55.95%
Holdings8,7475
YTD Return+14.57%+4.14%
1Y Return+27.82%+16.84%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.27%-
5Y Return (annualized)+9.28%-
Volatility (annualized)15.1%18.5%
Max Drawdown-39.9%-15.1%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)GraniteShares
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionJan 26, 2011Feb 26, 2025

VXUS vs YSPY Performance

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and GraniteShares YieldBOOST SPY ETF (YSPY) is a ETF from GraniteShares. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while YSPY returned +16.84%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 4.14% for YSPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

YSPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -15.1% for YSPY. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VXUS charges 0.05% per year while YSPY charges 1.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $115 annually, a gap of $110 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 55.95% for YSPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VXUS or YSPY?

VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while YSPY charges 1.15%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $110 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VXUS or YSPY?

Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +16.84% for YSPY, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +19.50% for YSPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VXUS or YSPY?

YSPY has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs YSPY -15.1%.

Should I hold both VXUS and YSPY?

VXUS and YSPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or YSPY?

VXUS yields 2.60% while YSPY yields 55.95%, so YSPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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