VXUS vs VWO: Head-to-Head Comparison
VXUS vs VWO: Vanguard Total International Stock ETF has an expense ratio of 0.07% while Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF charges 0.08%. VXUS holds 8,537 securities vs VWO's 5,830. 5-year returns: 5.50% vs 3.20%.
Last updated: April 2026
International
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | VWO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.08% |
| AUM | $74.0B | $75.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 3.20% |
| Holdings | 8,537 | 5,830 |
| 1-Year Return | 9.80% | 7.20% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 5.50% | 3.20% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 4.80% | 3.50% |
| Beta | 0.85 | 0.88 |
| P/E Ratio | 15.4 | 14.5 |
VXUS 5-year annualized return is 5.50% compared to VWO's 3.20%. Over 10 years, VXUS returned 4.80% vs VWO's 3.50%.
View data table
| Period | VXUS Return | VWO Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.20% | 1.50% |
| 1 Year | 9.80% | 7.20% |
| 3 Year | 3.20% | -0.80% |
| 5 Year | 5.50% | 3.20% |
| 10 Year | 4.80% | 3.50% |
Key Differences Between VXUS and VWO
VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) is a international equity fund managed by Vanguard. VXUS provides exposure to stocks from developed and emerging markets outside the United States, covering over 8,000 companies across Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world. It is the most popular way to add international diversification to a U.S.-focused portfolio. Beginners building a globally diversified portfolio often pair VXUS with VTI to own virtually every publicly traded stock in the world.
VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) is a emerging markets fund managed by Vanguard. VWO gives investors access to stocks in emerging economies such as China, India, Brazil, Taiwan, and South Africa. These countries have younger populations and faster economic growth potential than developed nations. Beginners should know that emerging markets can be more volatile than developed markets, but VWO offers this higher-growth exposure at a very low cost of 0.08%.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.07% vs 0.08%), number of holdings (8,537 vs 5,830), and 5-year returns (5.50% vs 3.20%).
VXUS vs VWO multi-factor comparison: VXUS has a 0.07% expense ratio, 5.50% 5-year return, 8,537 holdings, 0.85 beta, and 3.10% yield. VWO has 0.08% expense ratio, 3.20% 5-year return, 5,830 holdings, 0.88 beta, and 3.20% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VXUS | VWO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.08% |
| 5-Year Return | 5.50% | 3.20% |
| Holdings | 8,537 | 5,830 |
| Beta | 0.85 | 0.88 |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 3.20% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
11%
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and VWO share only 11% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
VXUS and VWO share 11% of their top holdings (low overlap). VXUS has 8,537 total holdings and VWO has 5,830. Common holdings include TSM, TCEHY.
View data table
| Metric | VXUS | VWO |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 11% | 11% |
| Unique Holdings | 89% | 89% |
| Total Holdings | 8,537 | 5,830 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VXUS
Fee cost: $600
VWO
Fee cost: $686
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $86 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, VXUS (0.07% fee) grows to $46,009 while VWO (0.08% fee) grows to $45,924. The fee difference costs $85.
View data table
| Year | VXUS Value | VWO Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,646 | $14,639 |
| 10 | $21,450 | $21,430 |
| 15 | $31,415 | $31,371 |
| 20 | $46,009 | $45,924 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose VXUS if: You want investors seeking global diversification beyond the u.s. market, those building a complete world stock portfolio when paired with vti, investors who believe international stocks are undervalued relative to u.s. equities. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.07%.
Choose VWO if: You want long-term investors who want exposure to the world's fastest-growing economies, those building a globally diversified portfolio who want to pair vwo with vea for full international coverage, contrarian investors who believe emerging markets are undervalued relative to u.s. stocks. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.08%.
Can You Own Both VXUS and VWO?
Absolutely! With only 11% overlap, VXUS and VWO complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy VXUS or VWO?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. VXUS is best for investors who want investors seeking global diversification beyond the u.s. market, while VWO is better suited for long-term investors who want exposure to the world's fastest-growing economies.
What is the difference between VXUS and VWO?▾
VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) tracks international equity investments with 8,537 holdings and a 0.07% expense ratio. VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) focuses on emerging markets with 5,830 holdings at 0.08%. Their top holdings overlap by 11%.
Can I own both VXUS and VWO?▾
Yes! With only 11% holdings overlap, VXUS and VWO complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.