ETX vs VXUS
Eaton Vance Municipal Income 2028 Term 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 | ETX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.86% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $206M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.18% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 126 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.70% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.22% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.20% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.31% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ETX vs VXUS Performance
Eaton Vance Municipal Income 2028 Term Trust (ETX) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ETX returned +3.22% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, ETX is up 0.70% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, ETX compounded at +7.20% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.31% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +1.22%. 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 11.0% for ETX. 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 -32.8% for ETX 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ETX charges 1.86% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $186 vs $5 annually, a gap of $181 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETX currently yields 5.18% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ETX and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7918 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, ETX or VXUS?
ETX has an expense ratio of 1.86% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $181 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ETX or VXUS?
Over the past year ETX returned +3.22% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ETX annualized +1.22% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ETX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.0% for ETX. Worst drawdown: ETX -32.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ETX and VXUS?
ETX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ETX and VXUS?
ETX and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7918 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ETX or VXUS?
ETX yields 5.18% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so ETX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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