SJNK vs VXUS
SJNK vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield 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 | SJNK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.9B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,172 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.60% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.73% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.70% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.82% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SJNK vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF (SJNK) 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 SJNK returned +4.73% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, SJNK is up 1.60% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, SJNK compounded at +7.70% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.82% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% annualized vs +1.08%. 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 5.8% for SJNK. 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 -30.6% for SJNK 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SJNK charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SJNK currently yields 7.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SJNK and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8917 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 SJNK | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIN:AU | 0.15% | 0.02% | 0.13% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SJNK or VXUS?
SJNK has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SJNK or VXUS?
Over the past year SJNK returned +4.73% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SJNK annualized +1.08% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SJNK or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.8% for SJNK. Worst drawdown: SJNK -30.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SJNK and VXUS?
SJNK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SJNK and VXUS?
SJNK and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8917 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SJNK or VXUS?
SJNK yields 7.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SJNK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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