VXUS vs. KNO

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) and KNO (AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF) are both Global Equities funds. VXUS is passively managed, while KNO is actively managed. Over the past year, VXUS returned 28.53% vs 32.48% for KNO. Their correlation of 0.87 means they have usually moved in the same direction. VXUS charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.84%/yr for KNO.

Performance

VXUS vs. KNO - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXUS achieves a 15.31% return, which is significantly lower than KNO's 25.64% return.

VXUS

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 0.39%
• 6M: 8.40%
• YTD: 15.31%
• 1Y: 28.53%
• 3Y*: 18.83%
• 5Y*: 9.10%
• 10Y*: 9.60%
• ALL TIME*: 6.70%

KNO

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 1.71%
• 6M: 17.68%
• YTD: 25.64%
• 1Y: 32.48%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 21.54%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
KNO AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF	$33.95K	$26.25K	$36.90K
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	$389.99M	$399.74M	$498.52M

VXUS vs. KNO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	15.31%	32.35%	-1.69%
KNO AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF	25.64%	19.84%	-1.19%

Correlation

The correlation between VXUS and KNO is 0.87, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 22, 2024	0.87

The correlation between VXUS and KNO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

VXUS vs. KNO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXUS	KNO
Technology	23.7%	38.5%
Financial Services	23.2%	1.8%
Industrials	14.5%	22.9%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	5.8%
Healthcare	6.8%	13.6%
Basic Materials	6.6%	6.5%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	3.3%
Energy	4.2%	4.2%
Communication Services	3.8%	1.2%
Utilities	2.9%	1.5%
Real Estate	1.7%	0.8%

Return for Risk

VXUS vs. KNO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 64
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 67

KNO

KNO Risk / Return Rank: 70
KNO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
KNO Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
KNO Omega Ratio Rank: 70
KNO Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
KNO Martin Ratio Rank: 72

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VXUS vs. KNO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO). 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.

	VXUS	KNO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	1.81	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.34	2.56	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.33	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.54	2.80	-0.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.32	10.14	-0.83

VXUS vs. KNO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is comparable to the KNO Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXUS and KNO, 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

VXUS vs. KNO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXUS drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, which is greater than KNO's maximum drawdown of -15.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXUS and KNO.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXUS	KNO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.97%	-15.50%	-20.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-11.67%	+0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.63%	-1.08%	+0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.15%	-2.99%	-5.16%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	3.21%	-0.14%

Volatility

VXUS vs. KNO - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) have volatilities of 5.00% and 5.14%, 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

	VXUS	KNO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.00%	5.14%	-0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.06%	16.18%	-1.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.87%	18.00%	-1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.37%	17.41%	-1.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.04%	17.41%	-0.37%

VXUS vs. KNO - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXUS has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than KNO's 0.84% expense ratio.

Dividends

VXUS vs. KNO - Dividend Comparison

VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.53%, more than KNO's 0.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KNO AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF	0.86%	1.08%	3.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.53%	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 VXUS and KNO in my portfolio?

VXUS and KNO have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VXUS or KNO?

KNO has higher volatility (5.14%) compared to VXUS (5.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXUS dropped -35.97% vs KNO's -15.50%.

Which ETF is better, VXUS or KNO?

On 1-year performance, KNO leads with 32.48% vs 28.53% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VXUS has been the lower-risk option at 5.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXUS or KNO?

Over the 1-year period, KNO has performed better with a 32.48% return vs 28.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXUS or KNO?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for KNO.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.53%, compared with 0.86% for KNO.

What is the main difference between VXUS and KNO?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and AXS. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXUS and 0.84% for KNO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KNO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.70), 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.