ASIA vs VXUS
Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. ASIA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ASIA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $52M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.90% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.25% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.50% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 21, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ASIA vs VXUS Performance
Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF (ASIA) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ASIA returned +33.25% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, ASIA is up 16.90% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, ASIA compounded at +18.50% per year against +20.24% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, ASIA has the edge at +18.50% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ASIA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -23.9% for ASIA 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ASIA charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ASIA currently yields 0.91% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ASIA and VXUS share 26 holdings out of 7900 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ASIA or VXUS?
ASIA has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ASIA or VXUS?
Over the past year ASIA returned +33.25% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so ASIA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ASIA annualized +18.50% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ASIA or VXUS?
ASIA has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ASIA -23.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ASIA and VXUS?
ASIA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ASIA and VXUS?
ASIA and VXUS share 26 common holdings with a 8.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7900 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ASIA or VXUS?
ASIA yields 0.91% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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