VXUS vs ZMAR
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr March
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 | ZMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $114M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +15.00% | +3.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.87% | +6.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.79% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.26% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 1.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -2.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Mar 3, 2025 |
VXUS vs ZMAR Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr March (ZMAR) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VXUS returned +26.87% while ZMAR returned +6.25%. Year to date, VXUS is up 15.00% versus a gain of 3.52% for ZMAR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 1.8% for ZMAR. 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 -2.3% for ZMAR. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while ZMAR 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 ZMAR.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and ZMAR share 0 holdings out of 7862 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 ZMAR?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while ZMAR 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 ZMAR?
Over the past year VXUS returned +26.87% vs +6.25% for ZMAR, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VXUS annualized +4.88% vs +6.69% for ZMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or ZMAR?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.8% for ZMAR. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs ZMAR -2.3%.
Should I hold both VXUS and ZMAR?
VXUS and ZMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and ZMAR?
VXUS and ZMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or ZMAR?
VXUS yields 2.60% while ZMAR yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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