AQWA vs VXUS
Global X Clean Water 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 | AQWA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $23M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.56% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.92% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.92% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.46% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 8, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AQWA vs VXUS Performance
Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AQWA returned +0.92% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, AQWA is up 3.92% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, AQWA compounded at +10.51% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.46% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, AQWA has the edge at +6.34% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AQWA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -29.4% for AQWA 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AQWA charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AQWA currently yields 1.56% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AQWA and VXUS share 12 holdings out of 7893 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AQWA or VXUS?
AQWA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AQWA or VXUS?
Over the past year AQWA returned +0.92% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), AQWA annualized +6.34% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AQWA or VXUS?
AQWA has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AQWA -29.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AQWA and VXUS?
AQWA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AQWA and VXUS?
AQWA and VXUS share 12 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7893 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AQWA or VXUS?
AQWA yields 1.56% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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