ARB vs VXUS
AltShares Merger Arbitrage 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 | ARB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $104M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.42% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 95 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.69% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.43% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.50% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.24% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | AltShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 7, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ARB vs VXUS Performance
AltShares Merger Arbitrage ETF (ARB) is a ETF from AltShares and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARB returned +3.43% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, ARB is up 2.69% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, ARB compounded at +5.50% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.24% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +4.14%. 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 3.1% for ARB. 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 -5.6% for ARB 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARB charges 0.76% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $5 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARB currently yields 0.42% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ARB and VXUS share 17 holdings out of 7936 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, ARB or VXUS?
ARB has an expense ratio of 0.76% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARB or VXUS?
Over the past year ARB returned +3.43% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), ARB annualized +4.14% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.1% for ARB. Worst drawdown: ARB -5.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ARB and VXUS?
ARB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARB and VXUS?
ARB and VXUS share 17 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7936 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARB or VXUS?
ARB yields 0.42% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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