REFA vs VXUS
REFA vs VXUS
Columbia Research Enhanced International Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REFA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.03% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 207 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.46% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
REFA vs VXUS Performance
Columbia Research Enhanced International Equity ETF (REFA) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, REFA is up 11.46% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -11.2% for REFA and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REFA charges 0.32% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $5 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REFA currently yields 0.03% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
REFA and VXUS share 141 holdings out of 7929 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in REFA | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:AS | 3.55% | 1.29% | 2.26% |
| NOVN:SM | 2.97% | 0.73% | 2.24% |
| HSBA:LN | 2.42% | 0.72% | 1.70% |
| 6501:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 8035:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SAF:PA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ENR1N:MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BNP:PA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AZN:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RR:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings REFA 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, REFA or VXUS?
REFA has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between REFA and VXUS?
REFA and VXUS share 141 common holdings with a 13.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7929 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REFA or VXUS?
REFA yields 0.03% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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