VEA vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US 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, VEA returned 11.06%/yr vs 10.57%/yr for VXUS. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VEA charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

VEA vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) 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 stocks are quite close, with VEA having a 16.69% return and VXUS slightly lower at 16.04%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VEA having a 11.06% annualized return and VXUS not far behind at 10.57%.

VEA

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 3.28%
• YTD: 16.69%
• 6M: 17.33%
• 1Y: 35.42%
• 3Y*: 20.72%
• 5Y*: 10.37%
• 10Y*: 11.06%

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)

VEA vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	16.69%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	16.04%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between VEA and VXUS is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2011	0.98

The correlation between VEA and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

VEA vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEA	VXUS
Financial Services	22.3%	21.7%
Industrials	17.5%	15.6%
Technology	16.6%	21.0%
Healthcare	7.6%	6.8%
Basic Materials	7.5%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	7.4%	8.2%
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	4.8%
Energy	4.7%	4.7%
Communication Services	3.2%	4.4%
Utilities	3.0%	3.0%
Real Estate	2.5%	2.4%

Return for Risk

VEA vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEA

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

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.

VEA vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) 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.

	VEA	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	2.16	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	2.92	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.40	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.06	3.07	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.80	11.84	-0.04

VEA vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

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

VEA vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEA drawdown since its inception was -60.68%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEA and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEA	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.68%	-35.97%	-24.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.63%	-11.27%	-0.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.45%	-13.58%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.71%	-29.44%	-0.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.73%	-35.97%	+0.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.26%	-8.20%	-5.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.01%	2.92%	+0.09%

Volatility

VEA vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) have volatilities of 6.32% 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

	VEA	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.32%	6.28%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.39%	14.10%	+0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.52%	16.08%	+0.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.71%	16.21%	+0.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.38%	17.18%	+0.20%

VEA vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEA has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VEA vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

VEA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.50%, which matches VXUS's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.50%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%
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 VEA and VXUS in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VEA 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, VEA or VXUS?

VEA has higher volatility (6.32%) compared to VXUS (6.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEA dropped -60.68% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, VEA or VXUS?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 11.06% vs 10.57% for VXUS. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEA or VXUS?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 11.06% return vs 10.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEA or VXUS?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for VXUS.

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

VEA and VXUS have nearly identical dividend yields, around 2.50%.

What is the main difference between VEA and VXUS?

VEA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VEA and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

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