ABLG vs VXUS
Abacus FCF International Leaders 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ABLG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $16M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.31% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.43% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.25% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.69% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.75% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | FCF Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ABLG vs VXUS Performance
Abacus FCF International Leaders ETF (ABLG) is a ETF from FCF Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ABLG returned +9.25% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, ABLG is up 0.43% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, ABLG compounded at +7.69% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.75% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.88% annualized vs +4.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ABLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -36.0% for ABLG 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ABLG charges 0.54% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $5 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ABLG currently yields 2.31% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ABLG and VXUS share 24 holdings out of 7883 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ABLG or VXUS?
ABLG has an expense ratio of 0.54% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ABLG or VXUS?
Over the past year ABLG returned +9.25% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), ABLG annualized +4.58% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ABLG or VXUS?
ABLG has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ABLG -36.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ABLG and VXUS?
ABLG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ABLG and VXUS?
ABLG and VXUS share 24 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7883 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ABLG or VXUS?
ABLG yields 2.31% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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