Vanguard International ETF Posts 32% Annual Return, 5.9% YTD Gain
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF returned 32% over the past year compared to 22% for Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF and has gained 5.92% year-to-date versus 0.04% for U.S. equities. It pays a 2.86% dividend, charges 0.05% fees, and carries currency and valuation risks that could affect returns.
1. One-Year and Year-to-Date Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF delivered a 32% return over the past year versus 22% for Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF and has gained 5.92% year-to-date compared with 0.04% for U.S. equities. The recent outperformance is driven by non-U.S. earnings growth and valuation expansion.
2. Fund Structure and Income
VXUS tracks the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, holding over 7,400 stocks across developed and emerging markets. The fund pays a 2.86% dividend yield and carries a 0.05% expense ratio.
3. Long-Term Performance Comparison
Despite recent gains, international stocks have underperformed U.S. markets over five- and ten-year horizons. U.S. companies have shown stronger earnings growth and capital returns, widening the long-term performance gap.
4. Key Risks and Diversification Role
Investors in VXUS face unhedged currency exposure, potential valuation reversals and uneven dividends. Many use the ETF as an international sleeve to mitigate U.S. concentration risk, but there is no guarantee that recent outperformance will continue.