SBI vs VXUS
SBI vs VXUS
Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc 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 | SBI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.29% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $117M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.94% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 270 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.37% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.27% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.56% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.02% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 1992 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SBI vs VXUS Performance
Western Asset Intermediate Muni Fund Inc (SBI) 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 SBI returned +6.27% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, SBI is up 2.37% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, SBI compounded at +6.56% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.02% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.81% annualized vs -0.19%. 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 9.2% for SBI. 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 -46.0% for SBI 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SBI charges 1.29% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $5 annually, a gap of $124 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SBI currently yields 5.94% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SBI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8008 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, SBI or VXUS?
SBI has an expense ratio of 1.29% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $124 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SBI or VXUS?
Over the past year SBI returned +6.27% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SBI annualized -0.19% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SBI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.2% for SBI. Worst drawdown: SBI -46.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SBI and VXUS?
SBI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SBI and VXUS?
SBI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8008 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SBI or VXUS?
SBI yields 5.94% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SBI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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