VXUS vs ZFEB
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr February
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 | ZFEB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $152M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +3.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +6.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 2.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -3.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jan 31, 2025 |
VXUS vs ZFEB Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr February (ZFEB) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while ZFEB returned +6.64%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 3.21% for ZFEB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.3% for ZFEB. 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 -3.0% for ZFEB. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while ZFEB charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $79 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 0.00% for ZFEB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or ZFEB?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while ZFEB charges 0.79%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or ZFEB?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +6.64% for ZFEB, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +6.26% for ZFEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or ZFEB?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.3% for ZFEB. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs ZFEB -3.0%.
Should I hold both VXUS and ZFEB?
VXUS and ZFEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or ZFEB?
VXUS yields 2.60% while ZFEB yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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