SMOT vs VXUS
SMOT vs VXUS
VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat 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 | SMOT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $328M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.28% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 116 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.59% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.03% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.82% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMOT vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF (SMOT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMOT returned +15.03% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, SMOT is up 11.59% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, SMOT compounded at +10.82% per year against +18.64% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, SMOT has the edge at +13.33% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -23.4% for SMOT 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMOT charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMOT currently yields 1.28% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMOT and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7969 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 SMOT | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNHI:AS | 1.26% | 0.00% | 1.26% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMOT or VXUS?
SMOT has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMOT or VXUS?
Over the past year SMOT returned +15.03% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SMOT annualized +13.33% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMOT or VXUS?
SMOT has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMOT -23.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMOT and VXUS?
SMOT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMOT and VXUS?
SMOT and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7969 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMOT or VXUS?
SMOT yields 1.28% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.