VXUS vs ZIG
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs The Acquirers Fund ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | ZIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $33M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 1.75% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 33 | |
| YTD Return | +15.22% | +10.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.86% | +9.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.34% | +10.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.38% | +8.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -37.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Acquirers Funds, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | May 14, 2019 |
VXUS vs ZIG Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and The Acquirers Fund ETF (ZIG) is a ETF from Acquirers Funds, LLC. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.86% while ZIG returned +9.67%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.22% versus a gain of 10.77% for ZIG.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.34% per year against +10.59% for ZIG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.38% and +8.31% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, ZIG has the edge at +7.87% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -37.1% for ZIG. 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 0.74. 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
VXUS and ZIG share 0 holdings out of 7902 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 ZIG?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while ZIG charges 0.75%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or ZIG?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.86% vs +9.67% for ZIG, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), VXUS annualized +4.89% vs +7.87% for ZIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or ZIG?
ZIG has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs ZIG -37.1%.
Should I hold both VXUS and ZIG?
VXUS and ZIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and ZIG?
VXUS and ZIG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7902 unique securities.
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.
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