ETF Comparison
VXUS vs VEA: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Vanguard Total International Stock ETF and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| VXUS | VEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Vanguard Total International Stock ETF | Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF |
| Issuer | Vanguard | Vanguard |
| Price | $78.01 | $65.14 |
| Distribution yield | 2.86% | 2.86% |
| Expense ratio | 0.05% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $636.7B | $307.3B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index | FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index |
| Objective | Track the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, covering non-U.S. developed and emerging stocks. | Track the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 01/26/2011 | 07/20/2007 |
| Beta | 0.99 | 1.06 |
| Last dividend | $0.08 | $0.11 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/20/2026 | 03/20/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both popular quarterly-pay track the ftse global all cap ex us index, covering non-u.s. developed and emerging stocks. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
VEA is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.03% compared to 0.05%.
They track different benchmarks: VXUS is linked to FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
VXUS is the larger fund by assets ($636.7B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, VXUS would generate roughly $23.83/month while VEA would produce $23.83/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, VXUS would cost approximately $50 in fees vs $30 for VEA (simplified, not compounded). The $20.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index with a track the ftse global all cap ex us index, covering non-u.s. developed and emerging stocks. approach, while VEA tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index using a track the ftse developed all cap ex us index. strategy. Beta is 0.99 for VXUS and 1.06 for VEA, indicating VXUS is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
VXUS is managed by Vanguard (launched 01/26/2011) with $636.7B in assets. VEA is managed by Vanguard (launched 07/20/2007) with $307.3B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is VXUS or VEA better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. VXUS currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between VXUS and VEA?
VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index with a track the ftse global all cap ex us index, covering non-u.s. developed and emerging stocks. strategy, while VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) tracks FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index with a track the ftse developed all cap ex us index. approach. They are issued by Vanguard and Vanguard respectively.
Can I hold both VXUS and VEA?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, VXUS or VEA?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VEA charges 0.03%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in VXUS vs VEA generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in VXUS would generate roughly $23.83 per month ($286.00 annually). The same in VEA would produce about $23.83 per month ($286.00 annually).
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