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

MetricVXUSYYYWinner
Expense Ratio0.05%3.23%
AUM$156.5B$727M
Dividend Yield2.60%13.54%
Holdings8,74762
YTD Return+14.57%+6.42%
1Y Return+27.82%+10.86%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.27%+11.51%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.28%+3.15%
Volatility (annualized)15.1%13.6%
Max Drawdown-39.9%-58.8%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Amplify ETFs
CategoryEquityAllocation/Balanced
InceptionJan 26, 2011Jun 12, 2012

VXUS vs YYY Performance

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Amplify CEF High Income ETF (YYY) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while YYY returned +10.86%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 6.42% for YYY.

Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +11.51% for YYY; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +3.15% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.40%. 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 13.6% for YYY. 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 -58.8% for YYY. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VXUS charges 0.05% per year while YYY charges 3.23%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $323 annually, a gap of $318 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 13.54% for YYY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VXUS and YYY share 0 holdings out of 7922 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 YYY?

VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while YYY charges 3.23%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $318 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VXUS or YYY?

Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +10.86% for YYY, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +0.40% for YYY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VXUS or YYY?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.6% for YYY. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs YYY -58.8%.

Should I hold both VXUS and YYY?

VXUS and YYY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and YYY?

VXUS and YYY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7922 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or YYY?

VXUS yields 2.60% while YYY yields 13.54%, so YYY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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