VXUS vs. VGK

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) and VGK (Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while VGK is a Europe Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VXUS returned 9.56%/yr vs 9.87%/yr for VGK. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VXUS charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for VGK.

Performance

VXUS vs. VGK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXUS achieves a 12.84% return, which is significantly higher than VGK's 7.55% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VXUS having a 9.56% annualized return and VGK not far ahead at 9.87%.

VXUS

• 1D: 1.05%
• 1M: -0.75%
• 6M: 8.96%
• YTD: 12.84%
• 1Y: 26.13%
• 3Y*: 17.33%
• 5Y*: 8.67%
• 10Y*: 9.56%

VGK

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: -0.13%
• 6M: 4.82%
• YTD: 7.55%
• 1Y: 17.05%
• 3Y*: 15.40%
• 5Y*: 9.14%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

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

VXUS vs. VGK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	12.84%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	7.55%	35.83%	1.88%	20.19%	-15.98%	16.89%	5.43%	24.85%	-14.89%	26.98%

Correlation

The correlation between VXUS and VGK is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2011	0.94

The correlation between VXUS and VGK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

VXUS vs. VGK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXUS	VGK
Financial Services	21.7%	23.5%
Technology	21.0%	9.4%
Industrials	15.6%	20.3%
Consumer Cyclical	8.2%	7.1%
Basic Materials	7.6%	5.6%
Healthcare	6.8%	12.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	7.7%
Energy	4.7%	5.0%
Communication Services	4.4%	3.1%
Utilities	3.0%	4.4%
Real Estate	2.4%	1.6%

Return for Risk

VXUS vs. VGK — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 59
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

VGK

VGK Risk / Return Rank: 37
VGK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VGK Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
VGK Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VGK Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
VGK Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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. VGK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK). 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	VGK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	1.08	+0.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	1.61	+0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.19	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.33	1.42	+0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.76	5.25	+3.51

VXUS vs. VGK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is higher than the VGK Sharpe Ratio of 1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXUS and VGK, 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. VGK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXUS drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, smaller than the maximum VGK drawdown of -63.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXUS and VGK.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXUS	VGK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.97%	-63.61%	+27.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-12.09%	+0.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-14.31%	+0.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-32.74%	+3.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	-37.24%	+1.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.76%	-1.86%	-0.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.17%	-13.28%	+5.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	3.26%	-0.27%

Volatility

VXUS vs. VGK - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a higher volatility of 5.42% compared to Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) at 3.71%. This indicates that VXUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VXUS	VGK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.42%	3.71%	+1.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.76%	13.65%	+1.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.59%	15.90%	+0.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.31%	17.97%	-1.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.00%	18.47%	-1.47%

VXUS vs. VGK - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXUS has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than VGK's 0.06% expense ratio. Despite the difference, 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. VGK - Dividend Comparison

VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.58%, less than VGK's 2.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGK Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF	2.91%	2.86%	3.61%	3.15%	3.25%	3.05%	2.11%	3.27%	3.95%	2.70%	3.52%	3.25%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.58%	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 VGK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VXUS and VGK 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 VGK?

VXUS has higher volatility (5.42%) compared to VGK (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXUS dropped -35.97% vs VGK's -63.61%.

Which ETF is better, VXUS or VGK?

On 10-year performance, VGK leads with 9.87% vs 9.56% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VGK has been the lower-risk option at 3.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXUS or VGK?

Over the 10-year period, VGK has performed better with a 9.87% return vs 9.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXUS or VGK?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.06% for VGK.

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

VGK has the higher dividend yield at 2.91%, compared with 2.58% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between VXUS and VGK?

VXUS is categorized as Global Equities, while VGK is Europe Equities. VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while VGK tracks FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXUS and 0.06% for VGK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.58 vs 1.08), 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.