SDFI vs VXUS
SDFI vs VXUS
AB Short Duration 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 | SDFI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $185M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.54% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 552 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.17% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.79% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SDFI vs VXUS Performance
AB Short Duration Income ETF (SDFI) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDFI returned +3.79% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, SDFI is up 1.17% 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 1.8% for SDFI. 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 -1.2% for SDFI 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDFI charges 0.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $5 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDFI currently yields 4.54% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SDFI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8201 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, SDFI or VXUS?
SDFI has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDFI or VXUS?
Over the past year SDFI returned +3.79% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SDFI annualized +5.09% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDFI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.8% for SDFI. Worst drawdown: SDFI -1.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SDFI and VXUS?
SDFI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDFI and VXUS?
SDFI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8201 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDFI or VXUS?
SDFI yields 4.54% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SDFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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