SHM vs VXUS
SHM vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond 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 | SHM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.66% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 988 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.31% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.34% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.65% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.72% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 10, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SHM vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Nuveen ICE Short Term Municipal Bond ETF (SHM) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SHM returned +1.34% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, SHM is up 0.31% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, SHM compounded at +2.65% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.72% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.69% annualized vs +0.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 2.6% for SHM. 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 -11.6% for SHM 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SHM charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SHM currently yields 2.66% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SHM and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8530 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SHM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIN:AU | 0.05% | 0.02% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SHM or VXUS?
SHM has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SHM or VXUS?
Over the past year SHM returned +1.34% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SHM annualized +0.74% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SHM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 2.6% for SHM. Worst drawdown: SHM -11.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SHM and VXUS?
SHM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SHM and VXUS?
SHM and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8530 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SHM or VXUS?
SHM yields 2.66% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SHM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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