MULT vs VXUS
MULT vs VXUS
Franklin Multisector Income ETF 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 | MULT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $15M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.61% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 278 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.04% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.13% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 26, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MULT vs VXUS Performance
Franklin Multisector Income ETF (MULT) 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 MULT returned +3.13% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, MULT is up 1.04% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 1.9% for MULT. 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 -1.7% for MULT 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MULT charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MULT currently yields 2.61% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MULT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8037 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, MULT or VXUS?
MULT has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MULT or VXUS?
Over the past year MULT returned +3.13% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MULT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.9% for MULT. Worst drawdown: MULT -1.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MULT and VXUS?
MULT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MULT and VXUS?
MULT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8037 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MULT or VXUS?
MULT yields 2.61% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MULT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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