USAI vs VXUS
Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, USAI or VXUS?
Mid Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. USAI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USAI | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $124M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.44% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 72 | 8,844 |
| YTD Return | +21.42%Best | +10.00% |
| 1Y Return | +25.68%Best | +17.01% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.68%Best | +19.55% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.02%Best | +8.55% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.5% | 15.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -69.3% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $21,943Best | $15,071 |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 13, 2017 to Oct 14, 2026 (8.8 years).
USAI vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 8.8 years both funds cover.
USAI vs VXUS Performance
Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF (USAI) is an ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USAI returned +25.68% while VXUS returned +17.01%. Year to date, USAI is up 21.42% versus a gain of 10.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, USAI compounded at +22.68% per year against +19.55% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +17.02% and +8.55% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, USAI has the edge at +10.54% annualized vs +6.57%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.5% compared with 15.8% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -69.3% for USAI and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.64. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USAI charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USAI currently yields 4.44% against 2.34% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 24.0% of USAI's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 91.3% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
USAI and VXUS share little of their money.
7 positions in common, counted across the 34 positions we hold weights for in USAI and 8,425 in VXUS, against full books of 72 and 8,844.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in USAI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRP:CATc Energy Corp. | 7.29% | 0.14% | 7.15% |
| ENB:CAEnbridge Inc. | 7.17% | 0.24% | 6.93% |
| PPL:CAPembina Pip Sr 9 4.75 Pfd | 3.54% | 0.06% | 3.48% |
| KEY:CAKeyera Corp | 1.89% | 0.02% | 1.87% |
| SOBO:CASouth Bow Corp | 1.50% | 0.02% | 1.48% |
| AMAntero Midstream Corporationam | 1.47% | 0.01% | 1.46% |
| GEI:CAGibson Energy Inc | 1.18% | 0.01% | 1.17% |
24.0% of USAI is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USAI or VXUS?
USAI has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $70 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, USAI or VXUS?
Over the past year USAI returned +25.68% vs +17.01% for VXUS, so USAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), USAI annualized +10.54% vs +6.57% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, USAI or VXUS?
USAI has been the more volatile fund at 28.5% annualized versus 15.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: USAI -69.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both USAI and VXUS?
USAI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between USAI and VXUS?
At least 24.0% of USAI's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 7 positions in common, counted across the 34 positions we hold weights for in USAI and 8,425 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, USAI or VXUS?
USAI yields 4.44% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so USAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than USAI?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. USAI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.