VXUS vs. XBI

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) and XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while XBI is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VXUS returned 10.23%/yr vs 9.98%/yr for XBI. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VXUS charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XBI.

Performance

VXUS vs. XBI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXUS achieves a 15.42% return, which is significantly higher than XBI's 11.87% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VXUS having a 10.23% annualized return and XBI not far behind at 9.98%.

VXUS

• 1D: 1.52%
• 1M: 4.66%
• YTD: 15.42%
• 6M: 16.87%
• 1Y: 32.10%
• 3Y*: 18.53%
• 5Y*: 8.83%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

XBI

• 1D: 1.95%
• 1M: 4.37%
• YTD: 11.87%
• 6M: 11.41%
• 1Y: 63.76%
• 3Y*: 16.08%
• 5Y*: 0.52%
• 10Y*: 9.98%

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

VXUS vs. XBI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	15.42%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	11.87%	35.89%	1.01%	7.60%	-25.87%	-20.45%	48.33%	32.56%	-15.28%	43.77%

Correlation

The correlation between VXUS and XBI is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2011	0.51

The correlation between VXUS and XBI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.53 - a consistent structural relationship.

VXUS vs. XBI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXUS	XBI
Financial Services	22.3%	0.3%
Technology	18.1%	-
Industrials	16.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	-
Basic Materials	7.6%	0.2%
Healthcare	7.1%	99.7%
Energy	5.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	-
Communication Services	4.4%	-
Utilities	3.2%	-
Real Estate	2.6%	-

Return for Risk

VXUS vs. XBI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 67

XBI

XBI Risk / Return Rank: 86
XBI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
XBI Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
XBI Omega Ratio Rank: 74
XBI Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
XBI Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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. XBI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI). 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	XBI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.01	2.45	-0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	3.29	-0.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.39	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.86	6.59	-3.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.00	19.47	-8.47

VXUS vs. XBI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXUS Sharpe Ratio is 2.01, which is comparable to the XBI Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXUS and XBI, 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. XBI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXUS drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, smaller than the maximum XBI drawdown of -63.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXUS and XBI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXUS	XBI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.97%	-63.89%	+27.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-9.72%	-1.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-32.99%	+19.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-54.71%	+25.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	-63.89%	+27.92%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-21.16%	+21.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.20%	-20.93%	+12.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	3.29%	-0.36%

Volatility

VXUS vs. XBI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is 6.87%, while SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) has a volatility of 10.55%. This indicates that VXUS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XBI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VXUS	XBI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.87%	10.55%	-3.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.09%	20.83%	-6.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.11%	26.18%	-10.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.23%	32.22%	-15.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.21%	32.03%	-14.82%

VXUS vs. XBI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXUS has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than XBI's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VXUS vs. XBI - Dividend Comparison

VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.63%, more than XBI's 0.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.63%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	0.32%	0.37%	0.15%	0.02%	0.00%	0.04%	0.20%	0.00%	0.28%	0.24%	0.26%	0.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VXUS and XBI in my portfolio?

VXUS and XBI have a correlation of 0.51, 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 XBI?

XBI has higher volatility (10.55%) compared to VXUS (6.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXUS dropped -35.97% vs XBI's -63.89%.

Which ETF is better, VXUS or XBI?

On 10-year performance, VXUS leads with 10.23% vs 9.98% for XBI. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VXUS has been the lower-risk option at 6.87%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXUS or XBI?

Over the 10-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 10.23% return vs 9.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXUS or XBI?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XBI.

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

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.63%, compared with 0.32% for XBI.

What is the main difference between VXUS and XBI?

VXUS is categorized as Global Equities, while XBI is Health & Biotech Equities. VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while XBI tracks S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXUS and 0.35% for XBI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XBI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 2.01), 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.