VSS vs. PXF

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VSS (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF) and PXF (Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VSS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index, while PXF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VSS returned 8.49%/yr vs 12.26%/yr for PXF. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VSS charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for PXF.

Performance

VSS vs. PXF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) and Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF (PXF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VSS achieves a 10.04% return, which is significantly lower than PXF's 18.79% return. Over the past 10 years, VSS has underperformed PXF with an annualized return of 8.49%, while PXF has yielded a comparatively higher 12.26% annualized return.

VSS

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 10.04%
• 6M: 12.05%
• 1Y: 24.95%
• 3Y*: 15.73%
• 5Y*: 5.58%
• 10Y*: 8.49%

PXF

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 2.75%
• YTD: 18.79%
• 6M: 20.98%
• 1Y: 41.20%
• 3Y*: 23.81%
• 5Y*: 13.18%
• 10Y*: 12.26%

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

VSS vs. PXF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	10.04%	29.61%	2.94%	15.52%	-21.48%	13.05%	11.81%	21.36%	-18.48%	30.61%
PXF Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF	18.79%	42.51%	4.54%	18.46%	-9.09%	15.93%	2.58%	17.50%	-14.84%	24.52%

Correlation

The correlation between VSS and PXF is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 6, 2009	0.90

The correlation between VSS and PXF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

VSS vs. PXF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VSS	PXF
Industrials	19.9%	14.6%
Basic Materials	16.0%	10.1%
Financial Services	14.2%	19.1%
Technology	13.9%	14.7%
Energy	8.4%	9.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.3%	10.4%
Real Estate	7.2%	1.6%
Healthcare	4.3%	6.8%
Utilities	3.6%	3.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	5.7%
Communication Services	2.0%	4.3%

Return for Risk

VSS vs. PXF — Risk / Return Rank

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

VSS

VSS Risk / Return Rank: 49
VSS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VSS Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VSS Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VSS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
VSS Martin Ratio Rank: 51

PXF

PXF Risk / Return Rank: 83
PXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
PXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
PXF Omega Ratio Rank: 85
PXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
PXF Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

VSS vs. PXF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) and Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF (PXF). 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.

	VSS	PXF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.51	2.47	-0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	3.25	-1.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.45	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.03	3.66	-1.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.61	13.76	-6.14

VSS vs. PXF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VSS Sharpe Ratio is 1.51, which is lower than the PXF Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VSS and PXF, 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

VSS vs. PXF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSS drawdown since its inception was -43.51%, smaller than the maximum PXF drawdown of -64.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSS and PXF.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSS	PXF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.51%	-64.74%	+21.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.62%	-10.91%	-0.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.73%	-14.06%	-1.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.93%	-26.82%	-7.11%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.51%	-41.59%	-1.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.05%	-2.04%	-1.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.63%	-15.25%	+5.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	2.90%	+0.19%

Volatility

VSS vs. PXF - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) and Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF (PXF) have volatilities of 6.52% and 6.76%, 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

	VSS	PXF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.52%	6.76%	-0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.55%	13.95%	-0.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.60%	16.18%	-0.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.59%	16.62%	-0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.30%	18.07%	-0.77%

VSS vs. PXF - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSS has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than PXF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSS vs. PXF - Dividend Comparison

VSS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.08%, less than PXF's 3.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PXF Invesco FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. ETF	3.12%	3.64%	3.48%	3.55%	3.58%	3.74%	2.11%	3.50%	3.38%	2.78%	3.21%	3.10%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	3.08%	3.39%	3.44%	3.14%	2.30%	2.74%	1.90%	3.25%	2.80%	2.83%	2.93%	2.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VSS and PXF in my portfolio?

VSS and PXF have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VSS or PXF?

PXF has higher volatility (6.76%) compared to VSS (6.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VSS dropped -43.51% vs PXF's -64.74%.

Which ETF is better, VSS or PXF?

On 10-year performance, PXF leads with 12.26% vs 8.49% for VSS. On fees, VSS is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VSS has been the lower-risk option at 6.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VSS or PXF?

Over the 10-year period, PXF has performed better with a 12.26% return vs 8.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSS or PXF?

VSS is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for PXF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VSS or PXF?

PXF has the higher dividend yield at 3.12%, compared with 3.08% for VSS.

What is the main difference between VSS and PXF?

VSS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while PXF is Foreign Large Cap Equities. VSS tracks FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index, while PXF tracks FTSE RAFI Developed Markets ex-U.S. Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VSS and 0.45% for PXF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PXF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.47 vs 1.51), 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.