SIZE vs VXUS
SIZE vs VXUS
iShares MSCI USA Size Factor 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SIZE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $430M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 533 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.95% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.26% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.54% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.51% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SIZE vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI USA Size Factor ETF (SIZE) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SIZE returned +20.26% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SIZE is up 13.95% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SIZE compounded at +15.54% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.51% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SIZE has the edge at +10.95% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SIZE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.1% for SIZE 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SIZE charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SIZE currently yields 1.37% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SIZE and VXUS share 9 holdings out of 8359 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SIZE | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WCN:CA | 0.19% | 0.10% | 0.09% |
| AMRZ:SM | 0.21% | 0.07% | 0.14% |
| HBAN | 0.21% | 0.05% | 0.16% |
| IRM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CNHI:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ORCL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 9 holdings SIZE 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, SIZE or VXUS?
SIZE has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SIZE or VXUS?
Over the past year SIZE returned +20.26% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SIZE annualized +10.95% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SIZE or VXUS?
SIZE has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SIZE -39.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SIZE and VXUS?
SIZE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SIZE and VXUS?
SIZE and VXUS share 9 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8359 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SIZE or VXUS?
SIZE yields 1.37% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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