BOXA vs VXUS
BOXA vs VXUS
Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond 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 | BOXA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $15M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.13% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.21% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.41% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BOXA vs VXUS Performance
Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BOXA returned +1.41% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BOXA is down 0.21% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.2% for BOXA. 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 -3.2% for BOXA 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOXA charges 0.23% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $5 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOXA currently yields 0.13% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BOXA or VXUS?
BOXA has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOXA or VXUS?
Over the past year BOXA returned +1.41% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BOXA annualized +3.08% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOXA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.2% for BOXA. Worst drawdown: BOXA -3.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BOXA and VXUS?
BOXA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOXA or VXUS?
BOXA yields 0.13% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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