VXUS vs XYLD
VXUS vs XYLD
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Global X S&P 500 Covered Call 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 | XYLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $3.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 10.37% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 507 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +8.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +18.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +11.87% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +7.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 11.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -34.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Global X by mirae Asset | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jun 21, 2013 |
VXUS vs XYLD Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XYLD returned +18.67%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 8.86% for XYLD.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +11.87% for XYLD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +7.85% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, XYLD has the edge at +4.96% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 11.2% for XYLD. 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 -34.7% for XYLD. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XYLD charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $60 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 10.37% for XYLD.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XYLD share 6 holdings out of 8348 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VXUS | Weight in XYLD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.00% | 0.54% | 0.54% |
| IRM | 0.05% | 0.06% | 0.01% |
| HBAN | 0.05% | 0.05% | 0.00% |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings VXUS shares with XYLD 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 XYLD?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XYLD charges 0.60%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XYLD?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +18.67% for XYLD, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +4.96% for XYLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XYLD?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.2% for XYLD. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XYLD -34.7%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XYLD?
VXUS and XYLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XYLD?
VXUS and XYLD share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8348 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XYLD?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XYLD yields 10.37%, so XYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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