VXUS vs WIW
VXUS vs WIW
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund
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 | VXUS | WIW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.71% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $569M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 7.95% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 161 | |
| YTD Return | +13.57% | +1.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.78% | +2.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.63% | +6.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.05% | +0.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 10.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -43.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Feb 27, 2004 |
VXUS vs WIW Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Western Asset Inflation-Linked Opportunities & Income Fund (WIW) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +28.78% while WIW returned +2.79%. Year to date, VXUS is up 13.57% versus a gain of 1.86% for WIW.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +18.63% per year against +6.44% for WIW; over five years the annualized figures are +9.05% and +0.10% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.80% annualized vs -0.41%. 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 10.0% for WIW. 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 -43.9% for WIW. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WIW charges 0.71%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $71 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 7.95% for WIW.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WIW share 0 holdings out of 7956 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 WIW?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WIW charges 0.71%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WIW?
Over the past year VXUS returned +28.78% vs +2.79% for WIW, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.80% vs -0.41% for WIW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WIW?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.0% for WIW. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WIW -43.9%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WIW?
VXUS and WIW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WIW?
VXUS and WIW share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7956 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WIW?
VXUS yields 2.60% while WIW yields 7.95%, so WIW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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