VB vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VB (Vanguard Small-Cap ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VB is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Small Cap Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VB returned 11.38%/yr vs 9.86%/yr for VXUS. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.05% expense ratio.

Performance

VB vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with VB having a 14.91% return and VXUS slightly higher at 15.39%. Over the past 10 years, VB has outperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 11.38%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively lower 9.86% annualized return.

VB

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 3.68%
• YTD: 14.91%
• 6M: 16.03%
• 1Y: 31.39%
• 3Y*: 17.31%
• 5Y*: 7.35%
• 10Y*: 11.38%

VXUS

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 4.81%
• YTD: 15.39%
• 6M: 18.56%
• 1Y: 32.67%
• 3Y*: 19.70%
• 5Y*: 8.88%
• 10Y*: 9.86%

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

VB vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	14.91%	8.87%	14.17%	18.22%	-17.51%	17.57%	19.19%	27.34%	-9.34%	16.26%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	15.39%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between VB and VXUS is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2011	0.77

The correlation between VB and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

VB vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VB	VXUS
Industrials	20.8%	16.1%
Technology	17.2%	18.1%
Financial Services	12.6%	22.3%
Consumer Cyclical	11.3%	8.4%
Healthcare	11.1%	7.1%
Real Estate	7.6%	2.6%
Basic Materials	4.8%	7.6%
Energy	4.7%	5.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.4%	5.0%
Utilities	3.3%	3.2%
Communication Services	3.1%	4.4%

Return for Risk

VB vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VB

VB Risk / Return Rank: 61
VB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VB Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VB Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VB Martin Ratio Rank: 68

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 63
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

VB vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) 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.

	VB	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	2.16	-0.23
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	2.96	-0.21
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.40	-0.06
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.48	3.02	+0.46
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.82	11.82	+1.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VB vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VB Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VB 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VB	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.94	2.16	-0.23
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	0.56	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.58	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.44	0.39	+0.05

Drawdowns

VB vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VB drawdown since its inception was -59.56%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VB and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VB	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.56%	-35.97%	-23.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.98%	-11.27%	+2.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.36%	-13.58%	-11.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.15%	-29.44%	+1.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.05%	-35.97%	-6.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.44%	-8.22%	-0.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.43%	2.88%	-0.45%

Volatility

VB vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Small-Cap ETF (VB) is 4.40%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 5.57%. This indicates that VB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VB	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.40%	5.57%	-1.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.73%	12.97%	-1.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.27%	15.19%	+1.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.75%	16.04%	+4.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.43%	17.16%	+4.27%

VB vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VB and VXUS have an expense ratio of 0.05%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VB vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

VB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.19%, less than VXUS's 2.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VB Vanguard Small-Cap ETF	1.19%	1.33%	1.30%	1.55%	1.59%	1.24%	1.14%	1.39%	1.67%	1.35%	1.50%	1.48%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.63%	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 VB and VXUS in my portfolio?

VB and VXUS have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VB or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (5.57%) compared to VB (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VB dropped -59.56% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, VB or VXUS?

On 10-year performance, VB leads with 11.38% vs 9.86% for VXUS. Both ETFs have the same 0.05% expense ratio. On volatility, VB has been the lower-risk option at 4.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VB or VXUS?

Over the 10-year period, VB has performed better with a 11.38% return vs 9.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VB or VXUS?

VB and VXUS have the same expense ratio: 0.05% per year.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.63%, compared with 1.19% for VB.

What is the main difference between VB and VXUS?

VB is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. VB tracks CRSP US Small Cap Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.94), 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.