EFR vs VXUS
Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust 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 | EFR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.17% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $374M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.72% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 511 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.98% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.30% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.86% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.42% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 24, 2003 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EFR vs VXUS Performance
Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust (EFR) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EFR returned -0.30% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, EFR is up 1.98% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, EFR compounded at +5.86% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.42% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs -0.57%. 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 15.0% for EFR. 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 -66.8% for EFR 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFR charges 5.17% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $517 vs $5 annually, a gap of $512 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFR currently yields 7.72% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EFR and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8049 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, EFR or VXUS?
EFR has an expense ratio of 5.17% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $512 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFR or VXUS?
Over the past year EFR returned -0.30% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EFR annualized -0.57% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFR or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.0% for EFR. Worst drawdown: EFR -66.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EFR and VXUS?
EFR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFR and VXUS?
EFR and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8049 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFR or VXUS?
EFR yields 7.72% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so EFR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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