VUS vs. VDI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VUS (Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF) and VDI (Virtus International Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VUS is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Virtus, while VDI is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Virtus. Both are actively managed. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VUS charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for VDI.

Performance

VUS vs. VDI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS) and Virtus International Dividend ETF (VDI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUS achieves a 19.93% return, which is significantly higher than VDI's 13.41% return.

VUS

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 19.93%
• 6M: 20.90%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VDI

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 2.79%
• YTD: 13.41%
• 6M: 17.01%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VUS vs. VDI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	19.93%	0.81%
VDI Virtus International Dividend ETF	13.41%	3.17%

Correlation

The correlation between VUS and VDI is 0.75, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2025	0.75

VUS vs. VDI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VUS	VDI
Technology	34.7%	9.1%
Industrials	11.5%	15.4%
Real Estate	10.4%	3.1%
Financial Services	9.5%	33.7%
Healthcare	8.3%	5.9%
Energy	6.0%	9.0%
Communication Services	5.3%	2.0%
Consumer Cyclical	5.2%	4.2%
Utilities	3.3%	6.0%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	4.6%
Basic Materials	2.7%	6.9%

Return for Risk

VUS vs. VDI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS) and Virtus International Dividend ETF (VDI). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VUS	VDI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.23	2.33	+0.90

Drawdowns

VUS vs. VDI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUS drawdown since its inception was -9.45%, smaller than the maximum VDI drawdown of -10.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUS and VDI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUS	VDI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.45%	-10.40%	+0.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.71%	+0.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.46%	-1.85%	+0.39%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUS	VDI	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.63%	16.21%	-1.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.63%	16.21%	-1.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.63%	16.21%	-1.58%

VUS vs. VDI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUS has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than VDI's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

VUS vs. VDI - Dividend Comparison

VUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.73%, more than VDI's 0.62% yield.

Position	TTM
VDI Virtus International Dividend ETF	0.62%
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	0.73%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUS and VDI in my portfolio?

VUS and VDI have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VUS or VDI?

On fees, VUS is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUS or VDI?

VUS is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for VDI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VUS or VDI?

VUS has the higher dividend yield at 0.73%, compared with 0.62% for VDI.

What is the main difference between VUS and VDI?

VUS is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VDI is Foreign Large Cap Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VUS and 0.39% for VDI.