RBLD vs VXUS
RBLD vs VXUS
First Trust Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure 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 | RBLD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $57M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.29% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.46% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.54% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 13, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RBLD vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure ETF (RBLD) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RBLD returned +21.46% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, RBLD is up 17.29% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, RBLD compounded at +19.54% per year against +18.64% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, RBLD has the edge at +17.15% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RBLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -19.1% for RBLD 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RBLD charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RBLD currently yields 1.03% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RBLD and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7959 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 RBLD | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRE | 0.98% | 0.00% | 0.98% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RBLD or VXUS?
RBLD has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RBLD or VXUS?
Over the past year RBLD returned +21.46% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), RBLD annualized +17.15% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RBLD or VXUS?
RBLD has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RBLD -19.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RBLD and VXUS?
RBLD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RBLD and VXUS?
RBLD and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7959 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RBLD or VXUS?
RBLD yields 1.03% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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