VMAX vs VXUS
VMAX vs VXUS
Hartford US Value 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 | VMAX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $49M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 142 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.43% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.57% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VMAX vs VXUS Performance
Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VMAX returned +28.57% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, VMAX is up 17.43% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.2% for VMAX. 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 -19.1% for VMAX 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VMAX charges 0.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $5 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VMAX currently yields 1.87% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VMAX and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8000 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VMAX or VXUS?
VMAX has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VMAX or VXUS?
Over the past year VMAX returned +28.57% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VMAX annualized +21.81% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VMAX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.2% for VMAX. Worst drawdown: VMAX -19.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VMAX and VXUS?
VMAX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VMAX and VXUS?
VMAX and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8000 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VMAX or VXUS?
VMAX yields 1.87% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.