VXUS vs XLG
VXUS vs XLG
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF
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 | XLG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $10.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 53 | |
| YTD Return | +13.65% | +6.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.53% | +18.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.64% | +21.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.00% | +14.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -53.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | May 4, 2005 |
VXUS vs XLG Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +28.53% while XLG returned +18.63%. Year to date, VXUS is up 13.65% versus a gain of 6.92% for XLG.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +18.64% per year against +21.95% for XLG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.00% and +14.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XLG has the edge at +9.82% annualized vs +4.81%. 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 15.0% for XLG. 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 -53.8% for XLG. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XLG charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $20 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 0.65% for XLG.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XLG share 1 holdings out of 7911 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VXUS | Weight in XLG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.00% | 0.62% | 0.62% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XLG?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLG charges 0.20%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XLG?
Over the past year VXUS returned +28.53% vs +18.63% for XLG, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.81% vs +9.82% for XLG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLG?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for XLG. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLG -53.8%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLG?
VXUS and XLG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XLG?
VXUS and XLG share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLG?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XLG yields 0.65%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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