VNLA vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVNLAVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.23%0.05%
AUM$3.2B$156.5B
Dividend Yield5.25%2.60%
Holdings3808,747
YTD Return+2.13%+13.57%
1Y Return+4.32%+28.78%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.63%+18.63%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.93%+9.05%
Volatility (annualized)1.5%15.1%
Max Drawdown-4.7%-39.9%
Fund FamilyJanus Henderson InvestorsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionNov 16, 2016Jan 26, 2011

VNLA vs VXUS Performance

Janus Henderson Short Duration Income ETF (VNLA) is a ETF from Janus Henderson Investors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VNLA returned +4.32% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, VNLA is up 2.13% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, VNLA compounded at +5.63% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.93% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.80% annualized vs +2.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 1.5% for VNLA. 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 -4.7% for VNLA 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VNLA charges 0.23% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $5 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VNLA currently yields 5.25% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VNLA and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8055 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, VNLA or VXUS?

VNLA has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VNLA or VXUS?

Over the past year VNLA returned +4.32% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), VNLA annualized +2.09% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VNLA or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.5% for VNLA. Worst drawdown: VNLA -4.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both VNLA and VXUS?

VNLA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VNLA and VXUS?

VNLA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8055 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VNLA or VXUS?

VNLA yields 5.25% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VNLA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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