VGT vs VXUS
VGT vs VXUS
Vanguard Information Technology ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VGT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $146.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 324 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.01% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.68% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.50% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.90% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VGT vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGT returned +31.68% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, VGT is up 20.01% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, VGT compounded at +26.50% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +17.90% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VGT has the edge at +14.02% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -54.8% for VGT 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGT charges 0.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGT currently yields 0.38% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VGT and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8179 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGT or VXUS?
VGT has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGT or VXUS?
Over the past year VGT returned +31.68% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VGT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VGT annualized +14.02% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGT or VXUS?
VGT has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VGT -54.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VGT and VXUS?
VGT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGT and VXUS?
VGT and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8179 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGT or VXUS?
VGT yields 0.38% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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