BWG vs VXUS
BWG vs VXUS
BrandywineGLOBAL Global Income Opportunities Fund Inc vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BWG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.66% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $142M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.05% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 110 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.22% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.61% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.44% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.97% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BWG vs VXUS Performance
BrandywineGLOBAL Global Income Opportunities Fund Inc (BWG) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BWG returned +2.61% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BWG is down 0.22% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BWG compounded at +10.44% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.97% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -2.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BWG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -58.8% for BWG and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BWG charges 2.66% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $266 vs $5 annually, a gap of $261 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BWG currently yields 11.05% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BWG and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7930 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BWG or VXUS?
BWG has an expense ratio of 2.66% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $261 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BWG or VXUS?
Over the past year BWG returned +2.61% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), BWG annualized -2.29% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BWG or VXUS?
BWG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BWG -58.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BWG and VXUS?
BWG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BWG and VXUS?
BWG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7930 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BWG or VXUS?
BWG yields 11.05% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BWG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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