SDSI vs VXUS
SDSI vs VXUS
American Century Short Duration Strategic 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 | SDSI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $245M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.78% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 400 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.57% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.49% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.83% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 11, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SDSI vs VXUS Performance
American Century Short Duration Strategic Income ETF (SDSI) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDSI returned +4.49% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, SDSI is up 1.57% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, SDSI compounded at +5.83% per year against +17.24% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, SDSI has the edge at +5.63% annualized vs +4.66%. 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 1.9% for SDSI. 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 -1.3% for SDSI 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDSI charges 0.32% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $5 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDSI currently yields 4.78% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SDSI and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8001 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SDSI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSBA:LN | 0.23% | 0.72% | 0.49% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDSI or VXUS?
SDSI has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDSI or VXUS?
Over the past year SDSI returned +4.49% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SDSI annualized +5.63% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDSI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.9% for SDSI. Worst drawdown: SDSI -1.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SDSI and VXUS?
SDSI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDSI and VXUS?
SDSI and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8001 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDSI or VXUS?
SDSI yields 4.78% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SDSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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