VOO vs VXUS
VOO vs VXUS
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.95% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.58% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.43% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VOO vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOO returned +19.58% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, VOO is up 9.95% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +19.43% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.35% annualized vs +4.66%. 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 14.2% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8359 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VOO | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.39% | 0.00% | 0.39% |
| HBAN | 0.06% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
| IRM | 0.06% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings VOO shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or VXUS?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VXUS?
Over the past year VOO returned +19.58% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.35% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VOO and VXUS?
VOO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and VXUS?
VOO and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8359 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VXUS?
VOO yields 1.09% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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