THRO vs VXUS
THRO vs VXUS
iShares US Thematic Rotation Active 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 | THRO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $6.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.25% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 245 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.94% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.50% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
THRO vs VXUS Performance
iShares US Thematic Rotation Active ETF (THRO) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year THRO returned +22.61% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, THRO is up 13.94% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, THRO compounded at +22.50% per year against +18.64% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, THRO has the edge at +13.66% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
THRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -26.5% for THRO 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
THRO charges 0.57% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $5 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, THRO currently yields 0.25% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
THRO and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 8096 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in THRO | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR | 0.28% | 0.00% | 0.28% |
| 2345:TW | 0.15% | 0.05% | 0.10% |
| ORCL | 0.16% | 0.00% | 0.16% |
| CNHI:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 4 holdings THRO 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, THRO or VXUS?
THRO has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, THRO or VXUS?
Over the past year THRO returned +22.61% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), THRO annualized +13.66% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, THRO or VXUS?
THRO has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: THRO -26.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both THRO and VXUS?
THRO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between THRO and VXUS?
THRO and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8096 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, THRO or VXUS?
THRO yields 0.25% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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