MUSE vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMUSEVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.56%0.05%
AUM$40M$156.5B
Dividend Yield7.67%2.60%
Holdings2608,747
YTD Return+2.41%+11.13%
1Y Return+5.88%+27.13%
3Y Return (annualized)-+17.24%
5Y Return (annualized)-+8.71%
Volatility (annualized)3.0%15.1%
Max Drawdown-3.6%-39.9%
Fund FamilyTCW ETFsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionNov 15, 2024Jan 26, 2011

MUSE vs VXUS Performance

TCW Multisector Credit Income ETF (MUSE) is a ETF from TCW ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MUSE returned +5.88% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, MUSE is up 2.41% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.0% for MUSE. 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 -3.6% for MUSE 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MUSE charges 0.56% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $5 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUSE currently yields 7.67% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MUSE and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8003 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in MUSEWeight in VXUSDifference
ARGENT 4.125 07/09/30.52%0.00%0.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MUSE or VXUS?

MUSE has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MUSE or VXUS?

Over the past year MUSE returned +5.88% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MUSE annualized +6.51% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MUSE or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.0% for MUSE. Worst drawdown: MUSE -3.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both MUSE and VXUS?

MUSE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MUSE and VXUS?

MUSE and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8003 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MUSE or VXUS?

MUSE yields 7.67% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MUSE currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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