VXUS vs ZTR
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Virtus Total Return Fund Inc
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 | ZTR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 2.53% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $381M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 7.94% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 770 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +12.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +18.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +15.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +3.57% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -87.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Feb 24, 2005 |
VXUS vs ZTR Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc (ZTR) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while ZTR returned +18.44%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 12.81% for ZTR.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +15.17% for ZTR; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +3.57% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -3.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -87.0% for ZTR. 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 ZTR charges 2.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $253 annually, a gap of $248 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 7.94% for ZTR.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and ZTR share 22 holdings out of 8370 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or ZTR?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while ZTR charges 2.53%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $248 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or ZTR?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +18.44% for ZTR, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs -3.22% for ZTR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or ZTR?
ZTR has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs ZTR -87.0%.
Should I hold both VXUS and ZTR?
VXUS and ZTR 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 ZTR?
VXUS and ZTR share 22 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8370 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or ZTR?
VXUS yields 2.60% while ZTR yields 7.94%, so ZTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.