VXUS vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while VEA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VXUS returned 10.22%/yr vs 10.72%/yr for VEA. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VXUS charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

VXUS vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXUS achieves a 13.69% return, which is significantly lower than VEA's 14.73% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VXUS having a 10.22% annualized return and VEA not far ahead at 10.72%.

VXUS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 0.71%
• YTD: 13.69%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 28.39%
• 3Y*: 18.37%
• 5Y*: 8.32%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

VEA

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 1.30%
• YTD: 14.73%
• 6M: 16.65%
• 1Y: 29.82%
• 3Y*: 19.03%
• 5Y*: 9.51%
• 10Y*: 10.72%

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

VXUS vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	13.69%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.73%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between VXUS and VEA is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2011	0.98

The correlation between VXUS and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

VXUS vs. VEA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXUS	VEA
Financial Services	22.3%	23.3%
Technology	18.1%	13.8%
Industrials	16.1%	19.2%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	7.5%
Basic Materials	7.6%	7.5%
Healthcare	7.1%	8.2%
Energy	5.2%	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	5.6%
Communication Services	4.4%	3.4%
Utilities	3.2%	3.3%
Real Estate	2.6%	2.7%

Return for Risk

VXUS vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 61
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 62
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

VXUS vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends 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.

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	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	1.81	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	2.50	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.33	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	2.58	-0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.72	9.92	-0.19

VXUS vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXUS and VEA, 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. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXUS drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, smaller than the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXUS and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXUS	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.97%	-60.68%	+24.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-11.63%	+0.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-13.45%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-29.71%	+0.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	-35.73%	-0.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.47%	-1.06%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.21%	-13.28%	+5.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	3.02%	-0.09%

Volatility

VXUS vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) have volatilities of 6.71% and 6.84%, 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	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.71%	6.84%	-0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.02%	14.38%	-0.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.09%	16.58%	-0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	16.72%	-0.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.20%	17.40%	-0.20%

VXUS vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXUS has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% 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%.

Dividends

VXUS vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, more than VEA's 2.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.62%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.67%	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 VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VXUS and VEA move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VXUS or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (6.84%) compared to VXUS (6.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXUS dropped -35.97% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which ETF is better, VXUS or VEA?

On 10-year performance, VEA leads with 10.72% vs 10.22% for VXUS. On fees, VEA is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VXUS has been the lower-risk option at 6.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXUS or VEA?

Over the 10-year period, VEA has performed better with a 10.72% return vs 10.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXUS or VEA?

VEA is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.05% for VXUS.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 2.62% for VEA.

What is the main difference between VXUS and VEA?

VXUS is categorized as Global Equities, while VEA is Foreign Large Cap Equities. VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXUS and 0.03% for VEA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VEA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.77), 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.