VEU vs. PSI

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VEU (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF) and PSI (Invesco Semiconductors ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VEU is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US Index, while PSI is a Semiconductors fund tracking the Dynamic Semiconductors Intellidex Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VEU returned 10.41%/yr vs 34.59%/yr for PSI. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VEU charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for PSI.

Performance

VEU vs. PSI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU) and Invesco Semiconductors ETF (PSI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VEU achieves a 14.08% return, which is significantly lower than PSI's 112.90% return. Over the past 10 years, VEU has underperformed PSI with an annualized return of 10.41%, while PSI has yielded a comparatively higher 34.59% annualized return.

VEU

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 1.00%
• YTD: 14.08%
• 6M: 15.91%
• 1Y: 28.82%
• 3Y*: 18.67%
• 5Y*: 8.56%
• 10Y*: 10.41%

PSI

• 1D: 3.00%
• 1M: 10.45%
• YTD: 112.90%
• 6M: 110.54%
• 1Y: 198.40%
• 3Y*: 55.80%
• 5Y*: 32.57%
• 10Y*: 34.59%

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

VEU vs. PSI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VEU Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF	14.08%	32.35%	5.56%	15.84%	-15.58%	8.27%	11.10%	21.83%	-14.18%	27.40%
PSI Invesco Semiconductors ETF	112.90%	36.32%	17.17%	49.06%	-34.43%	46.55%	56.75%	52.49%	-11.55%	40.16%

Correlation

The correlation between VEU and PSI is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.65
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2007	0.66

The correlation between VEU and PSI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

VEU vs. PSI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VEU	PSI
Financial Services	23.3%	-
Technology	18.5%	97.6%
Industrials	15.7%	2.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	-
Basic Materials	7.1%	-
Healthcare	7.1%	-
Energy	5.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	-
Communication Services	4.6%	-
Utilities	3.2%	-
Real Estate	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

VEU vs. PSI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VEU

VEU Risk / Return Rank: 61
VEU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VEU Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VEU Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VEU Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VEU Martin Ratio Rank: 62

PSI

PSI Risk / Return Rank: 97
PSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
PSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
PSI Omega Ratio Rank: 94
PSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
PSI Martin Ratio Rank: 98

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.

VEU vs. PSI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU) and Invesco Semiconductors ETF (PSI). 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.

	VEU	PSI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	4.92	-3.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	4.57	-2.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.63	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	12.90	-10.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.70	45.29	-35.59

VEU vs. PSI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VEU Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is lower than the PSI Sharpe Ratio of 4.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VEU and PSI, 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

VEU vs. PSI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VEU drawdown since its inception was -61.52%, roughly equal to the maximum PSI drawdown of -62.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VEU and PSI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VEU	PSI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.52%	-62.96%	+1.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.43%	-15.48%	+4.05%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.69%	-41.07%	+27.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.31%	-44.85%	+15.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.98%	-44.85%	+9.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	0.00%	-1.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.12%	-15.92%	+2.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	4.40%	-1.41%

Volatility

VEU vs. PSI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (VEU) is 6.77%, while Invesco Semiconductors ETF (PSI) has a volatility of 18.89%. This indicates that VEU experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than PSI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VEU	PSI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.77%	18.89%	-12.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.06%	33.67%	-19.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.18%	40.58%	-24.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.23%	38.44%	-22.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.25%	35.42%	-18.17%

VEU vs. PSI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VEU has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than PSI's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

VEU vs. PSI - Dividend Comparison

VEU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.62%, more than PSI's 0.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PSI Invesco Semiconductors ETF	0.04%	0.10%	0.15%	0.40%	0.61%	0.14%	0.21%	0.52%	0.83%	0.21%	0.68%	0.16%
VEU Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF	2.62%	3.09%	3.24%	3.32%	3.12%	3.08%	2.00%	3.10%	3.27%	2.66%	2.96%	2.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VEU and PSI in my portfolio?

VEU and PSI have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VEU or PSI?

PSI has higher volatility (18.89%) compared to VEU (6.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VEU dropped -61.52% vs PSI's -62.96%.

Which ETF is better, VEU or PSI?

On 10-year performance, PSI leads with 34.59% vs 10.41% for VEU. On fees, VEU is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VEU has been the lower-risk option at 6.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VEU or PSI?

Over the 10-year period, PSI has performed better with a 34.59% return vs 10.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VEU or PSI?

VEU is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for PSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VEU or PSI?

VEU has the higher dividend yield at 2.62%, compared with 0.04% for PSI.

What is the main difference between VEU and PSI?

VEU is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while PSI is Semiconductors. VEU tracks FTSE All-World ex US Index, while PSI tracks Dynamic Semiconductors Intellidex Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VEU and 0.56% for PSI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PSI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.92 vs 1.79), 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.