TILT vs VXUS
TILT vs VXUS
FlexShares Morningstar US Market Factor Tilt Index Fund 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 | TILT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,946 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.97% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.61% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.62% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.45% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 16, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TILT vs VXUS Performance
FlexShares Morningstar US Market Factor Tilt Index Fund (TILT) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TILT returned +21.61% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, TILT is up 10.97% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, TILT compounded at +17.62% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.45% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, TILT has the edge at +14.43% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TILT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -38.5% for TILT 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TILT charges 0.25% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $5 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TILT currently yields 1.08% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TILT and VXUS share 16 holdings out of 9769 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in TILT | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.32% | 0.00% | 0.32% |
| HBAN | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| IRM | 0.04% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
| CNHI:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SIG:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FBK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings TILT 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, TILT or VXUS?
TILT has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TILT or VXUS?
Over the past year TILT returned +21.61% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), TILT annualized +14.43% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TILT or VXUS?
TILT has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TILT -38.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TILT and VXUS?
TILT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TILT and VXUS?
TILT and VXUS share 16 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9769 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TILT or VXUS?
TILT yields 1.08% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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