VXUS vs ZIG
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs The Acquirers Fund ETF
Which is better, VXUS or ZIG?
VXUS has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | ZIG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.75% |
| AUM | $158.1B | $33M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 1.75% |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 34 |
| YTD Return | +16.15%Best | +10.92% |
| 1Y Return | +27.58%Best | +5.05% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.48%Best | +10.32% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.09%Best | +8.71% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9%Best | 20.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1%Best | -37.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,450Best | $15,183 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Acquirers Funds, LLC |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | May 14, 2019 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 15, 2019 to Sep 4, 2026 (7.3 years).
VXUS vs ZIG 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 7.3 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs ZIG Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and The Acquirers Fund ETF (ZIG) is an ETF from Acquirers Funds, LLC. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.58% while ZIG returned +5.05%. Year to date, VXUS is up 16.15% versus a gain of 10.92% for ZIG.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.48% per year against +10.32% for ZIG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.09% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +10.21% annualized vs +7.83%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% compared with 15.9% 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 -35.1% for VXUS and -37.1% for ZIG. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while ZIG charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $75 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.59% against 1.75% for ZIG.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 8,094 holdings in VXUS and 32 in ZIG, totalling 87.7% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 49 days apart, VXUS as of Jun 30, 2026 and ZIG as of Aug 18, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 8,094 positions we hold weights for in VXUS and 32 in ZIG, against full books of 8,747 and 34.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and ZIG 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 ZIG?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while ZIG charges 0.75%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $70 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or ZIG?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.58% vs +5.05% for ZIG, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), VXUS annualized +10.21% vs +7.83% for ZIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or ZIG?
ZIG has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 15.9% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -35.1% vs ZIG -37.1%.
Should I hold both VXUS and ZIG?
VXUS and ZIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or ZIG?
VXUS yields 2.59% while ZIG yields 1.75%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ZIG better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.