VXUS vs ZMAY
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May
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 | ZMAY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $89M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +14.07% | +3.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.24% | +5.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 0.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -0.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | May 1, 2025 |
VXUS vs ZMAY Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% while ZMAY returned +5.38%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.07% versus a gain of 3.11% for ZMAY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 0.9% for ZMAY. 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 -0.7% for ZMAY. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while ZMAY 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 ZMAY.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and ZMAY 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 ZMAY?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while ZMAY 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 ZMAY?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% vs +5.38% for ZMAY, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +6.17% for ZMAY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or ZMAY?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.9% for ZMAY. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs ZMAY -0.7%.
Should I hold both VXUS and ZMAY?
VXUS and ZMAY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and ZMAY?
VXUS and ZMAY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or ZMAY?
VXUS yields 2.60% while ZMAY yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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