VIS vs VXUS
VIS vs VXUS
Vanguard Industrials 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 | VIS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.21% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 387 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.13% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.40% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.92% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.20% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VIS vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIS returned +25.40% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, VIS is up 18.13% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, VIS compounded at +20.92% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.20% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VIS has the edge at +9.86% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -64.9% for VIS 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIS 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, VIS currently yields 1.21% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VIS and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8240 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, VIS or VXUS?
VIS 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, VIS or VXUS?
Over the past year VIS returned +25.40% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VIS annualized +9.86% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIS or VXUS?
VIS has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VIS -64.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VIS and VXUS?
VIS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIS and VXUS?
VIS and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8240 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIS or VXUS?
VIS yields 1.21% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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