HIX vs VXUS
HIX vs VXUS
Western Asset High Income Fund II 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 | HIX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.82% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $363M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 14.27% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 437 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.59% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.41% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.94% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.77% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 1998 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HIX vs VXUS Performance
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (HIX) 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 HIX returned +6.41% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, HIX is up 2.59% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, HIX compounded at +5.94% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.77% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -2.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -75.2% for HIX 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HIX charges 3.82% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $382 vs $5 annually, a gap of $377 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HIX currently yields 14.27% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
HIX and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8149 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, HIX or VXUS?
HIX has an expense ratio of 3.82% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $377 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HIX or VXUS?
Over the past year HIX returned +6.41% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HIX annualized -2.36% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HIX or VXUS?
HIX has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HIX -75.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HIX and VXUS?
HIX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HIX and VXUS?
HIX and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8149 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HIX or VXUS?
HIX yields 14.27% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so HIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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