VXUS vs WIA
VXUS vs WIA
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WIA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.83% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $205M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 6.98% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 161 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +1.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +2.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +6.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | -0.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 9.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -43.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Sep 30, 2003 |
VXUS vs WIA Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (WIA) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while WIA returned +2.86%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 1.28% for WIA.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +6.27% for WIA; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and -0.74% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.44%. 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 9.7% for WIA. 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 -39.9% for VXUS and -43.6% for WIA. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WIA charges 0.83%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $83 annually, a gap of $78 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 6.98% for WIA.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WIA share 0 holdings out of 7950 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or WIA?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WIA charges 0.83%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $78 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WIA?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +2.86% for WIA, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs -0.44% for WIA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WIA?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.7% for WIA. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WIA -43.6%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WIA?
VXUS and WIA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WIA?
VXUS and WIA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7950 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WIA?
VXUS yields 2.60% while WIA yields 6.98%, so WIA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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