ABEQ vs VXUS
Absolute Select Value 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ABEQ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $144M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.18% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.75% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.14% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.95% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.35% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Absolute Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 21, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ABEQ vs VXUS Performance
Absolute Select Value ETF (ABEQ) is a ETF from Absolute Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ABEQ returned +12.14% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, ABEQ is up 8.75% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, ABEQ compounded at +12.95% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.35% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, ABEQ has the edge at +8.21% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 12.9% for ABEQ. 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 -27.8% for ABEQ 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ABEQ charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ABEQ currently yields 1.18% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ABEQ and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 7883 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ABEQ or VXUS?
ABEQ has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ABEQ or VXUS?
Over the past year ABEQ returned +12.14% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), ABEQ annualized +8.21% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ABEQ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.9% for ABEQ. Worst drawdown: ABEQ -27.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ABEQ and VXUS?
ABEQ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ABEQ and VXUS?
ABEQ and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7883 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ABEQ or VXUS?
ABEQ yields 1.18% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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