VXUS vs XFLT
VXUS vs XFLT
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust
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 | XFLT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 6.29% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $345M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 16.04% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 535 | |
| YTD Return | +13.65% | -6.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.53% | -14.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.64% | -1.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.00% | -1.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 25.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -64.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | XA Investments LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Sep 27, 2017 |
VXUS vs XFLT Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust (XFLT) is a ETF from XA Investments LLC. Over the past year VXUS returned +28.53% while XFLT returned -14.19%. Year to date, VXUS is up 13.65% versus a loss of 6.40% for XFLT.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +18.64% per year against -1.90% for XFLT; over five years the annualized figures are +9.00% and -1.99% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.81% annualized vs -1.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XFLT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.7% 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 -39.9% for VXUS and -64.6% for XFLT. 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XFLT charges 6.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $629 annually, a gap of $624 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 16.04% for XFLT.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XFLT share 0 holdings out of 8076 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 XFLT?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XFLT charges 6.29%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $624 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XFLT?
Over the past year VXUS returned +28.53% vs -14.19% for XFLT, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VXUS annualized +4.81% vs -1.87% for XFLT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XFLT?
XFLT has been the more volatile fund at 25.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XFLT -64.6%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XFLT?
VXUS and XFLT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XFLT?
VXUS and XFLT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8076 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XFLT?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XFLT yields 16.04%, so XFLT 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.