AUSM vs VXUS
Allspring Ultra Short Municipal 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 | AUSM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.47% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.64% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Allspring Global Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 8, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AUSM vs VXUS Performance
Allspring Ultra Short Municipal ETF (AUSM) is a ETF from Allspring Global Investments and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AUSM returned +2.64% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, AUSM is up 1.47% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 0.6% for AUSM. 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 -0.4% for AUSM 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AUSM charges 0.18% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $5 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
AUSM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7874 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, AUSM or VXUS?
AUSM has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AUSM or VXUS?
Over the past year AUSM returned +2.64% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AUSM annualized +2.85% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AUSM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.6% for AUSM. Worst drawdown: AUSM -0.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AUSM and VXUS?
AUSM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AUSM and VXUS?
AUSM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7874 unique securities.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.