ETW vs VXUS
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Buy-Write 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 | ETW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.10% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $936M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.47% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 291 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.73% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.79% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.81% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ETW vs VXUS Performance
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Buy-Write Opportunities Fund (ETW) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ETW returned +20.92% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, ETW is up 13.73% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, ETW compounded at +17.79% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.81% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs -1.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ETW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -72.8% for ETW 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ETW charges 1.10% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $110 vs $5 annually, a gap of $105 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETW currently yields 7.47% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ETW and VXUS share 98 holdings out of 8030 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ETW or VXUS?
ETW has an expense ratio of 1.10% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $105 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ETW or VXUS?
Over the past year ETW returned +20.92% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ETW annualized -1.01% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ETW or VXUS?
ETW has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ETW -72.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ETW and VXUS?
ETW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ETW and VXUS?
ETW and VXUS share 98 common holdings with a 12.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8030 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ETW or VXUS?
ETW yields 7.47% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so ETW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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