VXUS outperforms the S&P 500 by 2 percentage points in 2026, offering diversified global exposure beyond U.S. equities.
The Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has returned 13.3% year-to-date, outpacing the S&P 500’s 11.3% gain. The fund holds over 8,700 non-U.S. stocks, including top holdings like Taiwan Semiconductor and Samsung Electronics, which account for 11% of its portfolio.
With $652 billion in assets and a 0.05% expense ratio, VXUS provides broad international exposure, contrasting with the S&P 500’s heavy concentration in U.S. mega-caps. The ETF’s performance over a shorter timeframe may not indicate long-term trends but highlights its role as a diversification tool.
Investors seeking to reduce U.S. market exposure are considering VXUS as a hedge against domestic equity risks, particularly given its low-cost structure and global reach.