EZU vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEZUVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.05%
AUM$9.4B$156.5B
Dividend Yield2.66%2.60%
Holdings2288,747
YTD Return+10.09%+14.57%
1Y Return+21.38%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.01%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.99%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)21.0%15.1%
Max Drawdown-69.8%-39.9%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 25, 2000Jan 26, 2011

EZU vs VXUS Performance

iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF (EZU) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EZU returned +21.38% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EZU is up 10.09% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, EZU compounded at +19.01% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.99% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, EZU has the edge at +5.51% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EZU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -69.8% for EZU 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EZU charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EZU currently yields 2.66% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

9.1%overlap

EZU and VXUS share 125 holdings out of 7958 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in EZUWeight in VXUSDifference
ASML:AS9.28%1.29%7.99%
SAN:MA2.63%0.00%2.63%
TTE:PA1.94%0.33%1.61%
IBE:MAProProPro
BBVA:MAProProPro
SAF:PAProProPro
UCG:MIProProPro
AI:PAProProPro
BNP:PAProProPro
IFX:FFProProPro
See all 10 holdings EZU shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EZU or VXUS?

EZU has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EZU or VXUS?

Over the past year EZU returned +21.38% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EZU annualized +5.51% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EZU or VXUS?

EZU has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EZU -69.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both EZU and VXUS?

EZU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 EZU and VXUS?

EZU and VXUS share 125 common holdings with a 9.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7958 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EZU or VXUS?

EZU yields 2.66% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EZU currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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