HYS vs VXUS
HYS vs VXUS
PIMCO 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond Index Exchange-Traded Fund 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 | HYS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.31% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 826 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.31% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.18% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.13% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.06% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HYS vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO 0-5 Year High Yield Corporate Bond Index Exchange-Traded Fund (HYS) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HYS returned +5.18% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, HYS is up 1.31% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, HYS compounded at +8.13% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.06% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% annualized vs +1.70%. 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 6.1% for HYS. 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 -26.6% for HYS 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYS charges 0.56% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $5 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYS currently yields 7.31% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HYS and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8516 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 HYS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIN:AU | 0.10% | 0.02% | 0.08% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HYS or VXUS?
HYS has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYS or VXUS?
Over the past year HYS returned +5.18% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), HYS annualized +1.70% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.1% for HYS. Worst drawdown: HYS -26.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HYS and VXUS?
HYS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYS and VXUS?
HYS and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYS or VXUS?
HYS yields 7.31% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so HYS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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