VXUS vs XMAG
VXUS vs XMAG
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF
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 | XMAG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $166M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.23% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 495 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +15.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +24.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -16.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Oct 21, 2024 |
VXUS vs XMAG Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF (XMAG) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XMAG returned +24.36%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 15.85% for XMAG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.0% for XMAG. 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 -16.2% for XMAG. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XMAG charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $35 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 0.23% for XMAG.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XMAG share 9 holdings out of 8344 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 VXUS | Weight in XMAG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.00% | 0.48% | 0.48% |
| IRM | 0.05% | 0.09% | 0.04% |
| SRE | 0.00% | 0.14% | 0.14% |
| HBAN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CCEP:LN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAP:BM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 9 holdings VXUS shares with XMAG 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, VXUS or XMAG?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XMAG charges 0.35%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XMAG?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +24.36% for XMAG, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +16.85% for XMAG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XMAG?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.0% for XMAG. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XMAG -16.2%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XMAG?
VXUS and XMAG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XMAG?
VXUS and XMAG share 9 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8344 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XMAG?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XMAG yields 0.23%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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