AWF vs VXUS
AWF vs VXUS
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund 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 | AWF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $969M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.92% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,273 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.51% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.78% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.35% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.44% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 28, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AWF vs VXUS Performance
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund (AWF) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AWF returned -2.78% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, AWF is down 1.51% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, AWF compounded at +8.35% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.44% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AWF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -60.0% for AWF 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AWF charges 1.00% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $5 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AWF currently yields 6.92% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AWF and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8566 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AWF | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NGD:CA | 0.09% | 0.01% | 0.08% |
| ARGENT 4.125 07/09/3 | 0.03% | 0.00% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AWF or VXUS?
AWF has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AWF or VXUS?
Over the past year AWF returned -2.78% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AWF annualized +0.90% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AWF or VXUS?
AWF has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AWF -60.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AWF and VXUS?
AWF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AWF and VXUS?
AWF and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AWF or VXUS?
AWF yields 6.92% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so AWF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.