HYGH vs VXUS
HYGH vs VXUS
iShares Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond 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 | HYGH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $595M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.61% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 177 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.77% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.85% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.04% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.11% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 27, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HYGH vs VXUS Performance
iShares Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond ETF (HYGH) 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 HYGH returned +6.85% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, HYGH is up 3.77% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, HYGH compounded at +9.04% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.11% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% annualized vs +1.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.8% for HYGH. 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 -33.0% for HYGH 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYGH charges 0.52% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $5 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYGH currently yields 6.61% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HYGH and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8726 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 HYGH | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIN:AU | 0.06% | 0.02% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HYGH or VXUS?
HYGH has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYGH or VXUS?
Over the past year HYGH returned +6.85% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), HYGH annualized +1.86% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYGH or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.8% for HYGH. Worst drawdown: HYGH -33.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HYGH and VXUS?
HYGH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYGH and VXUS?
HYGH and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8726 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYGH or VXUS?
HYGH yields 6.61% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so HYGH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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