VXUS vs ZVOL
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Volatility Premium Plus ETF
Which is better, VXUS or ZVOL?
Large Cap Blend against Multi Alternative.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | ZVOL |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 1.42% |
| AUM | $158.1B | $17M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 74.20% |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 5 |
| YTD Return | +13.35%Best | -16.44% |
| 1Y Return | +22.44%Best | -11.56% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.44%Best | -4.10% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.82% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3%Best | 54.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6%Best | -64.5% |
| $10,000 over 3.4 years | $17,039Best | $12,392 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Volatility Shares, LLC |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Nov 22, 2024 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 19, 2023 to Sep 10, 2026 (3.4 years).
VXUS vs ZVOL growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3.4 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs ZVOL Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Volatility Premium Plus ETF (ZVOL) is an ETF from Volatility Shares, LLC. Over the past year VXUS returned +22.44% while ZVOL returned -11.56%. Year to date, VXUS is up 13.35% versus a loss of 16.44% for ZVOL.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.44% per year against -4.10% for ZVOL.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZVOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 54.7% compared with 12.3% 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 -13.6% for VXUS and -64.5% for ZVOL. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.03. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while ZVOL charges 1.42%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $142 annually, a gap of $137 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.51% against 74.20% for ZVOL.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and ZVOL you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or ZVOL?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while ZVOL charges 1.42%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $137 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or ZVOL?
Over the past year VXUS returned +22.44% vs -11.56% for ZVOL, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or ZVOL?
ZVOL has been the more volatile fund at 54.7% annualized versus 12.3% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -13.6% vs ZVOL -64.5%.
Should I hold both VXUS and ZVOL?
VXUS and ZVOL have a monthly-return correlation of -0.03, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or ZVOL?
VXUS yields 2.51% while ZVOL yields 74.20%, so ZVOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ZVOL better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.