TPLS vs VXUS
TPLS vs VXUS
Thornburg Core Plus Bond 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 | TPLS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $15M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.09% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 301 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.55% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.72% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Thornburg Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 5, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TPLS vs VXUS Performance
Thornburg Core Plus Bond ETF (TPLS) is a ETF from Thornburg Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TPLS returned +2.72% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, TPLS is down 0.55% 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 3.6% for TPLS. 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 -3.0% for TPLS 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TPLS charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TPLS currently yields 5.09% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TPLS and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8058 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, TPLS or VXUS?
TPLS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TPLS or VXUS?
Over the past year TPLS returned +2.72% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), TPLS annualized +3.61% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TPLS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.6% for TPLS. Worst drawdown: TPLS -3.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TPLS and VXUS?
TPLS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TPLS and VXUS?
TPLS and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8058 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TPLS or VXUS?
TPLS yields 5.09% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so TPLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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