RAFE vs VXUS
RAFE vs VXUS
PIMCO RAFI ESG US ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. RAFE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RAFE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $165M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.51% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 285 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.23% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.47% | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.32% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.67% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RAFE vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO RAFI ESG US ETF (RAFE) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RAFE returned +32.47% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, RAFE is up 18.23% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Over three years, RAFE compounded at +19.32% per year against +18.54% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.67% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, RAFE has the edge at +12.35% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RAFE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -35.7% for RAFE 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RAFE charges 0.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $5 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RAFE currently yields 1.51% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RAFE and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8138 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RAFE or VXUS?
RAFE has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RAFE or VXUS?
Over the past year RAFE returned +32.47% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so RAFE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), RAFE annualized +12.35% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RAFE or VXUS?
RAFE has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RAFE -35.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RAFE and VXUS?
RAFE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RAFE and VXUS?
RAFE and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8138 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RAFE or VXUS?
RAFE yields 1.51% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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