VXUS vs WDI
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Western Asset Diversified Income Fund
Which is better, VXUS or WDI?
Large Cap Blend against Diversified Sectoral Bond.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS 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 | VXUS | WDI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 1.82% |
| AUM | $163.2B | $722M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.34% | 12.77% |
| Holdings | 8,844 | 410 |
| YTD Return | +10.00%Best | -8.20% |
| 1Y Return | +17.01%Best | -11.35% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.55%Best | +9.21% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.55%Best | +0.79% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 14.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4%Best | -32.5% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,071Best | $10,401 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Diversified Sectoral Bond |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jun 24, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 25, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.3 years).
VXUS vs WDI 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 5.3 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs WDI Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Western Asset Diversified Income Fund (WDI) is an ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +17.01% while WDI returned -11.35%. Year to date, VXUS is up 10.00% versus a loss of 8.20% for WDI.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.55% per year against +9.21% for WDI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.55% and +0.79% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% compared with 14.1% for WDI. 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 -29.4% for VXUS and -32.5% for WDI. 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
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WDI charges 1.82%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $182 annually, a gap of $177 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.34% against 12.77% for WDI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 8,425 holdings in VXUS and 192 in WDI, totalling 91.3% and 79.1% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 243 days apart, VXUS as of Aug 31, 2026 and WDI as of Dec 31, 2025, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 8,425 positions we hold weights for in VXUS and 192 in WDI, against full books of 8,844 and 410.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and WDI 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, VXUS or WDI?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WDI charges 1.82%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $177 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or WDI?
Over the past year VXUS returned +17.01% vs -11.35% for WDI, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WDI?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.1% for WDI. Worst drawdown: VXUS -29.4% vs WDI -32.5%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WDI?
VXUS and WDI 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, VXUS or WDI?
VXUS yields 2.34% while WDI yields 12.77%, so WDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is WDI better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS 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.