VXUS vs ZOCT
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr October
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 | ZOCT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $105M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.07% | +3.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.24% | +6.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 2.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -3.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Oct 1, 2024 |
VXUS vs ZOCT Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr October (ZOCT) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% while ZOCT returned +6.21%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.07% versus a gain of 3.80% for ZOCT.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.5% for ZOCT. 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 -3.2% for ZOCT. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while ZOCT 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 ZOCT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or ZOCT?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while ZOCT 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 ZOCT?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.24% vs +6.21% for ZOCT, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VXUS annualized +4.83% vs +5.81% for ZOCT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or ZOCT?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.5% for ZOCT. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs ZOCT -3.2%.
Should I hold both VXUS and ZOCT?
VXUS and ZOCT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or ZOCT?
VXUS yields 2.60% while ZOCT yields 0.00%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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