APIE vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

APIE (ActivePassive International Equity ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - APIE is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by ActivePassive, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. APIE is actively managed, while VXUS is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, APIE returned 18.28%/yr vs 20.13%/yr for VXUS. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. APIE charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

APIE vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ActivePassive International Equity ETF (APIE) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, APIE achieves a 9.17% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 16.04% return.

APIE

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 2.45%
• YTD: 9.17%
• 6M: 9.79%
• 1Y: 26.18%
• 3Y*: 18.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 3.54%
• YTD: 16.04%
• 6M: 16.58%
• 1Y: 34.50%
• 3Y*: 20.13%
• 5Y*: 9.22%
• 10Y*: 10.57%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

APIE vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
APIE ActivePassive International Equity ETF	9.17%	31.46%	7.37%	7.64%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	16.04%	32.35%	5.08%	7.63%

Correlation

The correlation between APIE and VXUS is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 3, 2023	0.87

The correlation between APIE and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

APIE vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	APIE	VXUS
Technology	22.7%	21.0%
Financial Services	19.8%	21.7%
Industrials	14.0%	15.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	8.2%
Healthcare	9.2%	6.8%
Communication Services	7.3%	4.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.2%	4.8%
Basic Materials	5.4%	7.6%
Energy	2.7%	4.7%
Utilities	2.4%	3.0%
Real Estate	0.5%	2.4%

Return for Risk

APIE vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

APIE

APIE Risk / Return Rank: 45
APIE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
APIE Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
APIE Omega Ratio Rank: 44
APIE Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
APIE Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

APIE vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ActivePassive International Equity ETF (APIE) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	APIE	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	2.16	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	2.92	-0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.40	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.12	3.07	-0.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.75	11.84	-4.09

APIE vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current APIE Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of APIE and VXUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

APIE vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum APIE drawdown since its inception was -15.94%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for APIE and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	APIE	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.94%	-35.97%	+20.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.41%	-11.27%	-1.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.94%	-13.58%	-2.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.44%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.54%	0.00%	-0.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.74%	-8.20%	+5.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.39%	2.92%	+0.47%

Volatility

APIE vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

ActivePassive International Equity ETF (APIE) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) have volatilities of 5.99% and 6.28%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	APIE	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.99%	6.28%	-0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.88%	14.10%	-0.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.81%	16.08%	+0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.94%	16.21%	+0.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.94%	17.18%	-0.24%

APIE vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

APIE has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

APIE vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

APIE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.40%, more than VXUS's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
APIE ActivePassive International Equity ETF	3.40%	3.71%	2.14%	0.63%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.51%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both APIE and VXUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, APIE and VXUS move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, APIE or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.28%) compared to APIE (5.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, APIE dropped -15.94% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, APIE or VXUS?

On 3-year performance, VXUS leads with 20.13% vs 18.28% for APIE. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, APIE has been the lower-risk option at 5.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, APIE or VXUS?

Over the 3-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 20.13% return vs 18.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, APIE or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for APIE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, APIE or VXUS?

APIE has the higher dividend yield at 3.40%, compared with 2.51% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between APIE and VXUS?

APIE is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. They also come from different issuers: ActivePassive and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for APIE and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.57), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.