VTI vs VXUS
VTI vs VXUS
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.14% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.82% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.94% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.79% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VTI vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTI returned +19.82% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, VTI is up 10.14% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +18.94% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.79% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -56.6% for VTI 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
VTI 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, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and VXUS share 26 holdings out of 10617 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VTI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.35% | 0.00% | 0.35% |
| WCN:CA | 0.06% | 0.10% | 0.04% |
| 2345:TW | 0.10% | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| HBAN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IRM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RBA:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FBK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VTI 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, VTI or VXUS?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or VXUS?
Over the past year VTI returned +19.82% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VTI annualized +7.99% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or VXUS?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VTI and VXUS?
VTI 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 VTI and VXUS?
VTI and VXUS share 26 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 10617 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or VXUS?
VTI yields 1.07% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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