MSTI vs VXUS
MSTI vs VXUS
Madison Short-Term Strategic Income 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 | MSTI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $49M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.33% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.60% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.20% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.78% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Madison Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 5, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MSTI vs VXUS Performance
Madison Short-Term Strategic Income ETF (MSTI) is a ETF from Madison Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTI returned +3.20% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, MSTI is up 0.60% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, MSTI compounded at +5.78% per year against +17.24% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, MSTI has the edge at +5.78% annualized vs +4.66%. 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 2.5% for MSTI. 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 -1.5% for MSTI 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSTI charges 0.36% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $5 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTI currently yields 5.33% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MSTI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7916 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, MSTI or VXUS?
MSTI has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSTI or VXUS?
Over the past year MSTI returned +3.20% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MSTI annualized +5.78% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSTI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.5% for MSTI. Worst drawdown: MSTI -1.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MSTI and VXUS?
MSTI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSTI and VXUS?
MSTI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7916 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSTI or VXUS?
MSTI yields 5.33% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MSTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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