VTSAX vs VXUS
VTSAX vs VXUS
Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VTSAX has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTSAX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $489.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.19% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.28% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.74% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2000 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VTSAX vs VXUS Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTSAX returned +22.61% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, VTSAX is up 13.19% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, VTSAX compounded at +19.28% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.74% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTSAX has the edge at +10.74% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTSAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -26.3% for VTSAX 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
VTSAX charges 0.04% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTSAX currently yields 1.04% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VTSAX and VXUS share 22 holdings out of 10566 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VTSAX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.35% | 0.00% | 0.35% |
| WCN:CA | 0.06% | 0.10% | 0.04% |
| HBAN | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| IRM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RBA:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FRE:NZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MTX:SG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VTSAX 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, VTSAX or VXUS?
VTSAX has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VTSAX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTSAX or VXUS?
Over the past year VTSAX returned +22.61% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTSAX annualized +10.74% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTSAX or VXUS?
VTSAX has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VTSAX -26.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VTSAX and VXUS?
VTSAX 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 VTSAX and VXUS?
VTSAX and VXUS share 22 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 10566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTSAX or VXUS?
VTSAX yields 1.04% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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