VXUS vs. VEA
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA).
VXUS and VEA are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. VXUS is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the MSCI All Country World ex USA Investable Market Index. It was launched on Jan 26, 2011. VEA is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the MSCI EAFE Index. It was launched on Jul 20, 2007. Both VXUS and VEA are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: VXUS or VEA.
Key characteristics
| VXUS | VEA | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 2.12% | 2.32% |
| 1Y Return | 10.34% | 10.28% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | -0.08% | 1.55% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 5.23% | 6.28% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 4.23% | 4.72% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.69 | 0.67 |
| Daily Std Dev | 12.51% | 12.80% |
| Max Drawdown | -35.97% | -60.70% |
| Current Drawdown | -3.81% | -3.06% |
Correlation
The correlation between VXUS and VEA is 0.98, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
VXUS vs. VEA - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, VXUS achieves a 2.12% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 2.32% return. Over the past 10 years, VXUS has underperformed VEA with an annualized return of 4.23%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively higher 4.72% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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VXUS vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison
VXUS has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
VXUS vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.
Dividends
VXUS vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison
VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.36%, which matches VEA's 3.36% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF | 3.36% | 3.24% | 3.09% | 3.10% | 2.14% | 3.06% | 3.18% | 2.73% | 2.93% | 2.83% | 3.40% | 2.70% |
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF | 3.36% | 3.15% | 2.91% | 3.16% | 2.04% | 3.04% | 3.35% | 2.77% | 3.05% | 2.92% | 3.68% | 2.60% |
Drawdowns
VXUS vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VXUS drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXUS and VEA. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
VXUS vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) have volatilities of 3.27% and 3.42%, 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.