VXUS vs XPND
VXUS vs XPND
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs First Trust Expanded Technology 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 | XPND | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $38M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 0.07% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +13.65% | +11.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.53% | +19.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.64% | +23.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.00% | +13.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 21.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -38.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jun 14, 2021 |
VXUS vs XPND Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and First Trust Expanded Technology ETF (XPND) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +28.53% while XPND returned +19.02%. Year to date, VXUS is up 13.65% versus a gain of 11.24% for XPND.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +18.64% per year against +23.30% for XPND; over five years the annualized figures are +9.00% and +13.11% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XPND has the edge at +14.57% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XPND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% 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 -38.0% for XPND. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XPND charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $65 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 0.07% for XPND.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XPND share 1 holdings out of 7909 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 XPND | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.00% | 2.88% | 2.88% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XPND?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XPND charges 0.65%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XPND?
Over the past year VXUS returned +28.53% vs +19.02% for XPND, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VXUS annualized +4.81% vs +14.57% for XPND. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XPND?
XPND has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XPND -38.0%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XPND?
VXUS and XPND have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XPND?
VXUS and XPND share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7909 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XPND?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XPND yields 0.07%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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