USHY vs VXUS
USHY vs VXUS
iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate 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 | USHY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $29.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.89% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,893 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.66% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.94% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.08% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.29% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
USHY vs VXUS Performance
iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (USHY) 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 USHY returned +0.94% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, USHY is down 1.66% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, USHY compounded at +7.08% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.29% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.80% annualized vs +2.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.6% for USHY. 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 -31.0% for USHY 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USHY charges 0.08% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $5 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USHY currently yields 6.89% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
USHY and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 9436 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in USHY | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIN:AU | 0.05% | 0.02% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USHY or VXUS?
USHY has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USHY or VXUS?
Over the past year USHY returned +0.94% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), USHY annualized +2.10% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USHY or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.6% for USHY. Worst drawdown: USHY -31.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both USHY and VXUS?
USHY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USHY and VXUS?
USHY and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9436 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USHY or VXUS?
USHY yields 6.89% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so USHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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