BRW vs VXUS
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.43% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $366M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 13.86% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,064 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.45% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.09% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.24% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.20% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Saba Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 1988 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BRW vs VXUS Performance
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund (BRW) is a ETF from Saba Capital and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BRW returned -9.09% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, BRW is up 3.45% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, BRW compounded at +9.24% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.20% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs -1.06%. 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 14.0% for BRW. 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 -75.3% for BRW 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRW charges 1.43% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $143 vs $5 annually, a gap of $138 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRW currently yields 13.86% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BRW and VXUS share 45 holdings out of 8356 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, BRW or VXUS?
BRW has an expense ratio of 1.43% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $138 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRW or VXUS?
Over the past year BRW returned -9.09% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BRW annualized -1.06% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRW or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.0% for BRW. Worst drawdown: BRW -75.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BRW and VXUS?
BRW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRW and VXUS?
BRW and VXUS share 45 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8356 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRW or VXUS?
BRW yields 13.86% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so BRW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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