VTI vs VXUS: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This VTI vs VXUS comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.
Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF have historically performed against each other.
Compare Stock Performance
Select two stocks and an investment amount to see how they compare over time.
Compare any two stocks to see which performed better historically
Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 2001 to 2025 (25 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 15-year comparison period, Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF outperformed Vanguard Total International Stock ETF in 11 years, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF outperformed Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF in 4 years.
VTI - Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
VXUS - Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Overall Winner: VTI with an average annual return of 10.38% (vs 6.62% for VXUS)
Understanding VTI vs VXUS Performance
When comparing Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF, investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.
Cumulative Growth Comparison
A $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF grew to $83,679, compared to $22,761 for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | VTI Return | VTI Cumulative | VXUS Return | VXUS Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 2002 | -4.40% | $9,559.59 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2003 | -21.12% | $7,540.30 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2004 | +27.10% | $9,583.54 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2005 | +12.71% | $10,801.36 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2006 | +7.07% | $11,565.56 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2007 | +14.01% | $13,186.37 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2008 | +5.57% | $13,920.28 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2009 | -36.23% | $8,876.91 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2010 | +25.29% | $11,122.06 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2011 | +15.50% | $12,846.23 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2012 | -0.06% | $12,838.17 | -14.44% | $8,555.66 | +14.38% (VTI) | VTI |
| 2013 | +14.83% | $14,741.60 | +15.26% | $9,861.37 | -0.44% (VXUS) | VXUS |
| 2014 | +30.15% | $19,185.65 | +12.86% | $11,129.89 | +17.28% (VTI) | VTI |
| 2015 | +13.54% | $21,784.10 | -3.03% | $10,792.15 | +16.58% (VTI) | VTI |
| 2016 | +0.43% | $21,877.95 | -3.92% | $10,368.88 | +4.35% (VTI) | VTI |
| 2017 | +14.53% | $25,056.98 | +6.62% | $11,055.15 | +7.91% (VTI) | VTI |
| 2018 | +20.30% | $30,142.43 | +26.55% | $13,989.77 | -6.25% (VXUS) | VXUS |
| 2019 | -5.90% | $28,364.08 | -15.28% | $11,852.12 | +9.38% (VTI) | VTI |
| 2020 | +30.57% | $37,033.94 | +21.98% | $14,457.03 | +8.59% (VTI) | VTI |
| 2021 | +20.08% | $44,469.64 | +9.45% | $15,822.71 | +10.63% (VTI) | VTI |
| 2022 | +27.50% | $56,697.16 | +8.34% | $17,141.72 | +19.16% (VTI) | VTI |
| 2023 | -20.03% | $45,340.60 | -16.62% | $14,293.10 | -3.41% (VXUS) | VXUS |
| 2024 | +26.56% | $57,384.57 | +15.08% | $16,449.10 | +11.48% (VTI) | VTI |
| 2025 | +24.65% | $71,527.39 | +6.29% | $17,483.64 | +18.36% (VTI) | VTI |
| 2026 | +16.99% | $83,679.23 | +30.18% | $22,760.67 | -13.19% (VXUS) | VXUS |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means VTI outperformed VXUS that year.
Company Profiles
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
VTI
VTI seeks to track the performance of the CRSP US Total Market Index, which represents approximately 100% of the investable U.S. stock market.
Business Segments
- ETFTotal US Stock Market Equities
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
VXUS
VXUS seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, providing exposure to stocks of companies located in developed and emerging markets outside the United States.
Business Segments
- ETFInternational Equities (ex-US)
How This Comparison Works
Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:
- ✓Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
- ✓Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
- ✓Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
- ✓Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates
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Important Disclaimer
This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.