HLAL vs VXUS
HLAL vs VXUS
Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HLAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HLAL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $906M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.45% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 209 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.96% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.31% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.14% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.25% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Wahed Invest | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HLAL vs VXUS Performance
Wahed FTSE USA Shariah ETF (HLAL) is a ETF from Wahed Invest and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HLAL returned +33.31% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, HLAL is up 17.96% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, HLAL compounded at +20.14% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.25% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, HLAL has the edge at +17.19% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HLAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% 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 -33.6% for HLAL 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HLAL 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, HLAL currently yields 0.45% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HLAL and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8068 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HLAL | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRE | 0.18% | 0.00% | 0.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HLAL or VXUS?
HLAL 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, HLAL or VXUS?
Over the past year HLAL returned +33.31% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so HLAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), HLAL annualized +17.19% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HLAL or VXUS?
HLAL has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HLAL -33.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HLAL and VXUS?
HLAL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HLAL and VXUS?
HLAL and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8068 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HLAL or VXUS?
HLAL yields 0.45% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS 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.