ACES vs VXUS
ACES vs VXUS
ALPS Clean Energy 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 | ACES | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $109M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -4.16% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.72% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -8.79% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.98% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ACES vs VXUS Performance
ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ACES is down 4.16% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, ACES compounded at -8.79% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -13.98% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.4% 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 -79.0% for ACES 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
ACES charges 0.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $5 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACES currently yields 1.22% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ACES and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7896 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, ACES or VXUS?
ACES has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACES or VXUS?
Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ACES annualized +3.76% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACES or VXUS?
ACES has been the more volatile fund at 35.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ACES -79.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ACES and VXUS?
ACES 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 ACES and VXUS?
ACES and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7896 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACES or VXUS?
ACES yields 1.22% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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