SHAG vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSHAGVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.12%0.05%
AUM$47M$156.5B
Dividend Yield4.31%2.60%
Holdings1,1228,747
YTD Return-1.69%+13.40%
1Y Return-0.01%+27.42%
3Y Return (annualized)+3.75%+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)+1.04%+9.05%
Volatility (annualized)2.6%15.1%
Max Drawdown-9.6%-39.9%
Fund FamilyWisdomTree InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMay 18, 2017Jan 26, 2011

SHAG vs VXUS Performance

Wisdomtree Yield Enhanced US Short-Term Aggregate Bond Fund (SHAG) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SHAG returned -0.01% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, SHAG is down 1.69% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.

Over three years, SHAG compounded at +3.75% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.04% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.79% annualized vs +1.84%. 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 2.6% for SHAG. 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 -9.6% for SHAG 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SHAG charges 0.12% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $5 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SHAG currently yields 4.31% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SHAG and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8884 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SHAGWeight in VXUSDifference
LOGG3:BV0.09%0.00%0.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SHAG or VXUS?

SHAG has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SHAG or VXUS?

Over the past year SHAG returned -0.01% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SHAG annualized +1.84% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SHAG or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.6% for SHAG. Worst drawdown: SHAG -9.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both SHAG and VXUS?

SHAG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SHAG and VXUS?

SHAG and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8884 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SHAG or VXUS?

SHAG yields 4.31% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SHAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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