VOX vs VXUS
VOX vs VXUS
Vanguard Communication Services 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 | VOX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 117 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.23% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.25% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.92% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.82% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VOX vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOX returned +9.25% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, VOX is down 1.23% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, VOX compounded at +20.92% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.82% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOX has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -57.2% for VOX 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOX 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, VOX currently yields 1.06% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VOX and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7972 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VOX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHEN | 0.04% | 0.00% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOX or VXUS?
VOX 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, VOX or VXUS?
Over the past year VOX returned +9.25% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOX annualized +8.79% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOX or VXUS?
VOX has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VOX -57.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VOX and VXUS?
VOX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOX and VXUS?
VOX and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7972 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOX or VXUS?
VOX yields 1.06% 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.