VXUS vs VEA: All International or Developed Markets Only?
VEA is developed markets only. VXUS adds emerging markets on top.
VXUS is the better choice for investors who want a single international fund — it covers both developed and emerging markets in a market-cap-weighted portfolio (~80% developed, ~20% emerging). VEA is right if you want to manage your emerging market exposure separately, or if you want to deliberately exclude it. At 0.05% vs VEA's 0.05%, the cost difference is negligible. The real question is whether you want emerging market exposure built in.
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📋 VXUS vs VEA: Key Facts Side by Side
| Metric | VXUS | VEA |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund ETF Shares | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares |
| Issuer | Vanguard | Vanguard |
| Tracks Index | FTSE Global All Cap ex US | FTSE Developed All Cap ex US |
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% ✓ |
| Cost per $10K/yr | $5.00 | $3.00 |
| AUM | $629.1B | $304.3B |
| Holdings | 8,160 | 3,854 |
| Inception | 2011 | 2007 |
| 1-Year Return | +14.23% | +15.81% |
| 3-Year Return | +19.93% | +20.52% |
| 5-Year Return | +9.20% | +10.13% |
| Dividend Yield | 2.34% | 2.41% |
| Holdings Overlap | See holdings overlap → | |
| Avg Bid-Ask Spread | 0.01% | 0.01% |
AUM and returns updated Oct 14, 2026 from ETF BFF database; expense ratios verified against issuer filings. Returns are annualised. Not investment advice.
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📊 VXUS vs VEA: Annualised Returns
Annualised returns (trailing, price-based). Past performance does not guarantee future results.
🎯 Which Fund Fits Which Investor?
- want broader diversification (8,160 holdings vs 3,854)
- want geographic diversification beyond US stocks
- want the lowest fees: saves ~$2/yr per $10K vs VXUS
- want geographic diversification beyond US stocks
💰 What the Fee Difference Actually Costs
Adjust the numbers for your situation. This models each fund's expense ratio compounding against your balance over time.
Assumes a constant annual return reinvested, with each fund's expense ratio deducted yearly. Illustrative only; actual returns vary. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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