HELO vs VXUS
HELO vs VXUS
JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay 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 | HELO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.71% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 161 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.02% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.81% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | J.P. Morgan Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HELO vs VXUS Performance
JPMorgan Hedged Equity Laddered Overlay ETF (HELO) is a ETF from J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HELO returned +10.81% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, HELO is up 5.02% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 7.4% for HELO. 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 -10.9% for HELO 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HELO 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, HELO currently yields 0.71% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HELO and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8010 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, HELO or VXUS?
HELO 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, HELO or VXUS?
Over the past year HELO returned +10.81% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HELO annualized +13.14% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HELO or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.4% for HELO. Worst drawdown: HELO -10.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HELO and VXUS?
HELO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HELO and VXUS?
HELO and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8010 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HELO or VXUS?
HELO yields 0.71% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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