HYGV vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHYGVVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.37%0.05%
AUM$1.1B$156.5B
Dividend Yield7.38%2.60%
Holdings9588,747
YTD Return+1.85%+11.13%
1Y Return+5.54%+27.13%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.91%+17.24%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.41%+8.71%
Volatility (annualized)9.1%15.1%
Max Drawdown-25.9%-39.9%
Fund FamilyFlexshares TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 17, 2018Jan 26, 2011

HYGV vs VXUS Performance

FlexShares High Yield Value-Scored Bond Index Fund (HYGV) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HYGV returned +5.54% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, HYGV is up 1.85% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.

Over three years, HYGV compounded at +7.91% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.41% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% annualized vs +2.36%. 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 9.1% for HYGV. 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 -25.9% for HYGV 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HYGV charges 0.37% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $5 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYGV currently yields 7.38% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HYGV and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8714 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HYGV or VXUS?

HYGV has an expense ratio of 0.37% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HYGV or VXUS?

Over the past year HYGV returned +5.54% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), HYGV annualized +2.36% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HYGV or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.1% for HYGV. Worst drawdown: HYGV -25.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both HYGV and VXUS?

HYGV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HYGV and VXUS?

HYGV and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8714 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HYGV or VXUS?

HYGV yields 7.38% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so HYGV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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