VFVA vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VFVAMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVFVAVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.13%0.05%
AUM$845M$156.5B
Dividend Yield2.56%2.60%
Holdings6398,747
YTD Return+19.07%+13.40%
1Y Return+35.02%+27.42%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.23%+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.12%+9.05%
Volatility (annualized)22.9%15.1%
Max Drawdown-48.6%-39.9%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionFeb 13, 2018Jan 26, 2011

VFVA vs VXUS Performance

Vanguard US Value Factor ETF (VFVA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VFVA returned +35.02% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, VFVA is up 19.07% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.

Over three years, VFVA compounded at +16.23% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.12% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VFVA has the edge at +11.20% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VFVA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -48.6% for VFVA 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VFVA charges 0.13% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $13 vs $5 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VFVA currently yields 2.56% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

VFVA and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 8490 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VFVAWeight in VXUSDifference
KR0.30%0.00%0.30%
BILL0.24%0.00%0.24%
MTX:SG0.08%0.05%0.03%
BGProProPro
SCLProProPro
CNHI:ASProProPro
ASC:BMProProPro
See all 7 holdings VFVA shares with VXUS
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VFVA or VXUS?

VFVA has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VFVA or VXUS?

Over the past year VFVA returned +35.02% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VFVA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VFVA annualized +11.20% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VFVA or VXUS?

VFVA has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VFVA -48.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both VFVA and VXUS?

VFVA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VFVA and VXUS?

VFVA and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8490 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VFVA or VXUS?

VFVA yields 2.56% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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