VXUS vs YEAR
VXUS vs YEAR
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs AB Ultra Short Income 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 | VXUS | YEAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $1.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 4.26% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 169 | |
| YTD Return | +11.13% | +1.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.13% | +3.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.24% | +4.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.71% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 0.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -0.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | AllianceBernstein L.P. | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Sep 13, 2022 |
VXUS vs YEAR Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and AB Ultra Short Income ETF (YEAR) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P.. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.13% while YEAR returned +3.82%. Year to date, VXUS is up 11.13% versus a gain of 1.59% for YEAR.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +17.24% per year against +4.93% for YEAR. Across the full 4-year window we track, YEAR has the edge at +4.89% 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 0.9% for YEAR. 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 -0.6% for YEAR. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while YEAR charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $25 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 4.26% for YEAR.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and YEAR share 0 holdings out of 7959 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 YEAR?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while YEAR charges 0.25%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or YEAR?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.13% vs +3.82% for YEAR, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), VXUS annualized +4.66% vs +4.89% for YEAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or YEAR?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.9% for YEAR. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs YEAR -0.6%.
Should I hold both VXUS and YEAR?
VXUS and YEAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and YEAR?
VXUS and YEAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7959 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or YEAR?
VXUS yields 2.60% while YEAR yields 4.26%, so YEAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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