VXUS vs. WM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) is Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while WM (Waste Management, Inc.) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, VXUS returned 10.22%/yr vs 15.36%/yr for WM. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

VXUS vs. WM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and Waste Management, Inc. (WM). 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 higher than WM's 0.71% return. Over the past 10 years, VXUS has underperformed WM with an annualized return of 10.22%, while WM has yielded a comparatively higher 15.36% annualized return.

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%

WM

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: 1.83%
• YTD: 0.71%
• 6M: 2.63%
• 1Y: -5.98%
• 3Y*: 12.33%
• 5Y*: 11.14%
• 10Y*: 15.36%

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

VXUS vs. WM - 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%
WM Waste Management, Inc.	0.71%	10.50%	14.28%	16.20%	-4.49%	43.82%	5.46%	30.45%	5.32%	24.46%

Correlation

The correlation between VXUS and WM is -0.14, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.14
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.06
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2011	0.38

The correlation between VXUS and WM shifts across timeframes, from -0.14 (1 year) to 0.38 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VXUS vs. WM — 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

WM

WM Risk / Return Rank: 28
WM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
WM Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
WM Omega Ratio Rank: 25
WM Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
WM Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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. WM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and Waste Management, Inc. (WM). 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	WM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	-0.32	+2.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.44	-0.32	+2.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	0.96	+0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.53	-0.36	+2.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.72	-0.79	+10.52

VXUS vs. WM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is higher than the WM Sharpe Ratio of -0.32. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXUS and WM, 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. WM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXUS drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, smaller than the maximum WM drawdown of -77.85%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXUS and WM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXUS	WM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.97%	-77.85%	+41.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-16.70%	+5.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-18.14%	+4.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-18.14%	-11.30%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	-30.07%	-5.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.47%	-10.24%	+8.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.21%	-17.69%	+9.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	7.58%	-4.65%

Volatility

VXUS vs. WM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a higher volatility of 6.71% compared to Waste Management, Inc. (WM) at 6.13%. This indicates that VXUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than WM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VXUS	WM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.71%	6.13%	+0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.02%	14.08%	-0.06%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.09%	19.03%	-2.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	18.62%	-2.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.20%	19.54%	-2.34%

Dividends

VXUS vs. WM - Dividend Comparison

VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, more than WM's 1.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
WM Waste Management, Inc.	1.61%	1.50%	1.49%	1.56%	1.66%	1.38%	1.85%	1.80%	2.09%	1.97%	2.31%	2.89%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VXUS and WM in my portfolio?

VXUS and WM have a correlation of -0.14, 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 WM?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.71%) compared to WM (6.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXUS dropped -35.97% vs WM's -77.85%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs -0.32), 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.