TOK vs VXUS
TOK vs VXUS
iShares MSCI Kokusai 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 | TOK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $247M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.31% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,136 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.52% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.36% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.19% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.88% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 10, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TOK vs VXUS Performance
iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF (TOK) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TOK returned +23.36% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, TOK is up 12.52% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, TOK compounded at +20.19% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.88% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, TOK has the edge at +6.92% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TOK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -56.6% for TOK 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TOK 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, TOK currently yields 1.31% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TOK and VXUS share 295 holdings out of 8457 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in TOK | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:AS | 0.85% | 1.29% | 0.44% |
| HSBA:LN | 0.39% | 0.72% | 0.33% |
| NOVN:SM | 0.34% | 0.73% | 0.39% |
| AZN:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NESN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RY:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SHEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CBA:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RD:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SU:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings TOK 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, TOK or VXUS?
TOK 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, TOK or VXUS?
Over the past year TOK returned +23.36% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TOK annualized +6.92% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TOK or VXUS?
TOK has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TOK -56.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TOK and VXUS?
TOK and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between TOK and VXUS?
TOK and VXUS share 295 common holdings with a 14.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8457 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TOK or VXUS?
TOK yields 1.31% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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