AFB vs VXUS
AFB vs VXUS
AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund Inc 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 | AFB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.56% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $341M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.67% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 175 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.75% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.23% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.79% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.81% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 28, 2002 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AFB vs VXUS Performance
AllianceBernstein National Municipal Income Fund Inc (AFB) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFB returned +12.23% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, AFB is up 4.75% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, AFB compounded at +6.79% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.81% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.30%. 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 12.8% for AFB. 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 -56.2% for AFB 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFB charges 1.56% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $156 vs $5 annually, a gap of $151 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFB currently yields 4.67% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AFB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7940 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, AFB or VXUS?
AFB has an expense ratio of 1.56% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $151 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFB or VXUS?
Over the past year AFB returned +12.23% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AFB annualized -0.30% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.8% for AFB. Worst drawdown: AFB -56.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AFB and VXUS?
AFB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFB and VXUS?
AFB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7940 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFB or VXUS?
AFB yields 4.67% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so AFB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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