VSLU vs VXUS
Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, VSLU or VXUS?
VSLU has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VSLU 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 | VSLU | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $580M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.42% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 920 | 8,844 |
| YTD Return | +13.05%Best | +10.00% |
| 1Y Return | +17.25%Best | +17.01% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.57%Best | +19.55% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.14%Best | +8.55% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6%Best | 14.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $19,373Best | $15,071 |
| Fund Family | Applied Finance Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 30, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.5 years).
VSLU 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 5.5 years both funds cover.
VSLU vs VXUS Performance
Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF (VSLU) is an ETF from Applied Finance Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VSLU returned +17.25% while VXUS returned +17.01%. Year to date, VSLU is up 13.05% versus a gain of 10.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, VSLU compounded at +22.57% per year against +19.55% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.14% and +8.55% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VSLU has the edge at +14.00% annualized vs +8.13%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% compared with 14.6% for VSLU. 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 -23.9% for VSLU and -29.4% 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VSLU charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VSLU currently yields 0.42% against 2.34% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 0.2% of VSLU'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.
We cannot see either book well enough to say how much of this pair is duplicated.
5 positions in common, counted across the 456 positions we hold weights for in VSLU and 8,425 in VXUS, against full books of 920 and 8,844.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VSLU and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VSLU or VXUS?
VSLU has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $44 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VSLU or VXUS?
Over the past year VSLU returned +17.25% vs +17.01% for VXUS, so VSLU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VSLU annualized +14.00% vs +8.13% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VSLU or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VSLU. Worst drawdown: VSLU -23.9% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both VSLU and VXUS?
VSLU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VSLU or VXUS?
VSLU yields 0.42% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than VSLU?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VSLU 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.