SMTH vs VXUS
SMTH vs VXUS
ALPS Smith Core Plus 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 | SMTH | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.38% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 954 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.11% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.33% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMTH vs VXUS Performance
ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF (SMTH) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMTH returned +2.33% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, SMTH is up 0.11% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.0% for SMTH. 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 -4.1% for SMTH 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMTH charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMTH currently yields 4.38% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMTH and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8007 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMTH or VXUS?
SMTH has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMTH or VXUS?
Over the past year SMTH returned +2.33% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SMTH annualized +4.94% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMTH or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.0% for SMTH. Worst drawdown: SMTH -4.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMTH and VXUS?
SMTH and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMTH and VXUS?
SMTH and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8007 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMTH or VXUS?
SMTH yields 4.38% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SMTH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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