VOT vs VXUS
VOT vs VXUS
Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $19.9B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.65% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 136 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.41% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.15% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.47% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.86% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VOT vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOT returned +2.15% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, VOT is up 5.41% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, VOT compounded at +12.47% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.86% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.43% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -60.3% for VOT 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOT charges 0.05% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $5 annually. On income, VOT currently yields 0.65% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VOT and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7979 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, VOT or VXUS?
VOT has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VXUS charges 0.05%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOT or VXUS?
Over the past year VOT returned +2.15% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOT annualized +9.43% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOT or VXUS?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VOT -60.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VOT and VXUS?
VOT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOT and VXUS?
VOT and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7979 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOT or VXUS?
VOT yields 0.65% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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