ELM vs VXUS
ELM vs VXUS
Elm Market Navigator ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ELM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $576M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.53% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.00% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.58% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Elm Partners Management LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 10, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ELM vs VXUS Performance
Elm Market Navigator ETF (ELM) is a ETF from Elm Partners Management LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ELM returned +16.58% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, ELM is up 8.00% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 7.8% for ELM. 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 -9.0% for ELM and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ELM charges 0.24% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $5 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ELM currently yields 2.53% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ELM and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7877 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ELM or VXUS?
ELM has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ELM or VXUS?
Over the past year ELM returned +16.58% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ELM annualized +14.00% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ELM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.8% for ELM. Worst drawdown: ELM -9.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ELM and VXUS?
ELM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ELM and VXUS?
ELM and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7877 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ELM or VXUS?
ELM yields 2.53% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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