KNO vs. VXUS

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

KNO (AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both Global Equities funds. KNO is actively managed, while VXUS is passively managed. Over the past year, KNO returned 24.74% vs 22.34% for VXUS. Their correlation of 0.87 means they have usually moved in the same direction. KNO charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

KNO vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) 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, KNO achieves a 20.49% return, which is significantly higher than VXUS's 11.68% return.

KNO

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: -3.74%
• 6M: 13.93%
• YTD: 20.49%
• 1Y: 24.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 19.32%

VXUS

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: -0.82%
• 6M: 5.50%
• YTD: 11.68%
• 1Y: 22.34%
• 3Y*: 16.39%
• 5Y*: 8.58%
• 10Y*: 9.25%
• ALL TIME*: 6.49%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
KNO AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF	$25.02K	$27.63K	$35.86K
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	$378.52M	$412.26M	$515.85M

KNO vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
KNO AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF	20.49%	19.84%	-1.19%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	11.68%	32.35%	-1.69%

Correlation

The correlation between KNO and VXUS is 0.87, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 22, 2024	0.87

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

KNO vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KNO	VXUS
Technology	38.5%	23.0%
Industrials	22.9%	14.9%
Healthcare	13.6%	6.7%
Basic Materials	6.5%	6.9%
Consumer Cyclical	5.8%	7.0%
Energy	4.2%	4.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	4.8%
Financial Services	1.8%	22.6%
Utilities	1.5%	2.9%
Communication Services	1.2%	3.8%
Real Estate	0.8%	2.0%

Return for Risk

KNO vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

KNO

KNO Risk / Return Rank: 62
KNO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
KNO Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
KNO Omega Ratio Rank: 62
KNO Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
KNO Martin Ratio Rank: 65

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 57
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

KNO vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) 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.

	KNO	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.41	1.35	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.04	1.89	+0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.25	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.13	1.99	+0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.88	7.39	+0.49

KNO vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KNO Sharpe Ratio is 1.41, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KNO 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

KNO vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KNO drawdown since its inception was -15.50%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KNO and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	KNO	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.50%	-35.97%	+20.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.67%	-11.27%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.58%	—
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	-5.13%	-3.76%	-1.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.98%	-8.16%	+5.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	3.05%	+0.11%

Volatility

KNO vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) have volatilities of 4.39% and 4.51%, 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

	KNO	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.39%	4.51%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.75%	14.83%	+0.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.66%	16.68%	+0.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.27%	16.31%	+0.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.27%	17.01%	+0.26%

KNO vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

KNO has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

KNO vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

KNO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than VXUS's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KNO AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF	0.90%	1.08%	3.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.61%	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 KNO and VXUS in my portfolio?

KNO and VXUS have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KNO or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (4.51%) compared to KNO (4.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KNO dropped -15.50% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, KNO or VXUS?

On 1-year performance, KNO leads with 24.74% vs 22.34% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, KNO has been the lower-risk option at 4.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KNO or VXUS?

Over the 1-year period, KNO has performed better with a 24.74% return vs 22.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KNO or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for KNO.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 0.90% for KNO.

What is the main difference between KNO and VXUS?

They also come from different issuers: AXS and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.84% for KNO and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KNO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.41 vs 1.35), 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.