TOPT vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTOPTVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.20%0.05%
AUM$658M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.38%2.60%
Holdings258,747
YTD Return+9.26%+13.40%
1Y Return+19.52%+27.42%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.05%
Volatility (annualized)15.8%15.1%
Max Drawdown-21.2%-39.9%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 23, 2024Jan 26, 2011

TOPT vs VXUS Performance

iShares Top 20 US Stocks ETF (TOPT) 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 TOPT returned +19.52% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, TOPT is up 9.26% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

TOPT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -21.2% for TOPT 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

TOPT charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TOPT currently yields 0.38% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

TOPT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7883 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, TOPT or VXUS?

TOPT has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.

Which performed better, TOPT or VXUS?

Over the past year TOPT returned +19.52% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), TOPT annualized +19.56% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, TOPT or VXUS?

TOPT has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TOPT -21.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both TOPT and VXUS?

TOPT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between TOPT and VXUS?

TOPT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7883 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, TOPT or VXUS?

TOPT yields 0.38% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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