VXUS vs WABF
VXUS vs WABF
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Western Asset Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WABF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 5.01% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 449 | |
| YTD Return | +13.40% | -0.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.42% | +1.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.54% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 6.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -5.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Sep 19, 2023 |
VXUS vs WABF Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +27.42% while WABF returned +1.91%. Year to date, VXUS is up 13.40% versus a loss of 0.69% for WABF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.5% for WABF. 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 -39.9% for VXUS and -5.4% for WABF. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WABF charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $35 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 5.01% for WABF.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and WABF share 0 holdings out of 8150 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, VXUS or WABF?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WABF charges 0.35%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or WABF?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.42% vs +1.91% for WABF, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VXUS annualized +4.79% vs +5.25% for WABF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WABF?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.5% for WABF. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs WABF -5.4%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WABF?
VXUS and WABF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and WABF?
VXUS and WABF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8150 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WABF?
VXUS yields 2.60% while WABF yields 5.01%, so WABF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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