INTL vs VXUS
INTL vs VXUS
Main International 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INTL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $230M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.41% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.93% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.38% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Main Management ETF Advisors, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
INTL vs VXUS Performance
Main International ETF (INTL) is a ETF from Main Management ETF Advisors, LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year INTL returned +18.93% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, INTL is up 10.41% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, INTL compounded at +15.38% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, INTL has the edge at +14.68% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 13.2% for INTL. 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 -14.5% for INTL 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INTL charges 0.84% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $5 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INTL currently yields 3.38% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
INTL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7870 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, INTL or VXUS?
INTL has an expense ratio of 0.84% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INTL or VXUS?
Over the past year INTL returned +18.93% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), INTL annualized +14.68% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INTL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.2% for INTL. Worst drawdown: INTL -14.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both INTL and VXUS?
INTL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between INTL and VXUS?
INTL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INTL or VXUS?
INTL yields 3.38% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so INTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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