MSLC vs VXUS
MSLC vs VXUS
Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity 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 | MSLC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,006 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.78% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.33% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Morgan Stanley | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MSLC vs VXUS Performance
Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) is a ETF from Morgan Stanley and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSLC returned +20.33% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, MSLC is up 11.78% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.4% for MSLC. 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 -17.9% for MSLC 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSLC charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSLC currently yields 2.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MSLC and VXUS share 17 holdings out of 8765 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MSLC | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BN:CA | 0.67% | 0.21% | 0.46% |
| ORCL | 0.51% | 0.00% | 0.51% |
| 2345:TW | 0.11% | 0.05% | 0.06% |
| CSU:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IRM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HBAN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAM:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| QSR:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RBA:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MSLC shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MSLC or VXUS?
MSLC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSLC or VXUS?
Over the past year MSLC returned +20.33% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MSLC annualized +14.62% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSLC or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.4% for MSLC. Worst drawdown: MSLC -17.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MSLC and VXUS?
MSLC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSLC and VXUS?
MSLC and VXUS share 17 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8765 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSLC or VXUS?
MSLC yields 2.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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