USRT vs VXUS
USRT vs VXUS
iShares Core US REIT 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 | USRT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.56% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.11% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.12% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.01% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.25% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
USRT vs VXUS Performance
iShares Core US REIT ETF (USRT) 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 USRT returned +24.12% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, USRT is up 20.11% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, USRT compounded at +13.01% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.25% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.69% annualized vs +2.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USRT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% compared with 15.0% 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 -72.9% for USRT 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USRT 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, USRT currently yields 2.56% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USRT or VXUS?
USRT 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, USRT or VXUS?
Over the past year USRT returned +24.12% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), USRT annualized +2.49% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USRT or VXUS?
USRT has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: USRT -72.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both USRT and VXUS?
USRT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USRT and VXUS?
USRT and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7985 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USRT or VXUS?
USRT yields 2.56% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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