MCR vs VXUS
MCR vs VXUS
MFS Charter Income Trust 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 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MCR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $270M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.17% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,076 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.55% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.59% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.80% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.97% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 1989 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MCR vs VXUS Performance
MFS Charter Income Trust (MCR) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MCR returned +3.59% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, MCR is down 0.55% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, MCR compounded at +7.80% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.97% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% annualized vs +0.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.2% for MCR. 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 -45.2% for MCR 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MCR charges 1.02% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $5 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MCR currently yields 8.17% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MCR and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8406 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MCR | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIN:AU | 0.31% | 0.02% | 0.29% |
| ARGENT 4.125 07/09/3 | 0.21% | 0.00% | 0.21% |
| NST:AU | 0.02% | 0.07% | 0.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MCR or VXUS?
MCR has an expense ratio of 1.02% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MCR or VXUS?
Over the past year MCR returned +3.59% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), MCR annualized +0.16% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MCR or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.2% for MCR. Worst drawdown: MCR -45.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MCR and VXUS?
MCR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MCR and VXUS?
MCR and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8406 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MCR or VXUS?
MCR yields 8.17% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MCR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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