EVN vs VXUS
EVN vs VXUS
Eaton Vance Municipal Income 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EVN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.46% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $443M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.64% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 237 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.25% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.59% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.81% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.54% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 29, 1999 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EVN vs VXUS Performance
Eaton Vance Municipal Income Trust (EVN) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EVN returned +6.59% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EVN is up 3.25% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, EVN compounded at +8.81% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.54% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EVN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -62.5% for EVN 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EVN charges 2.46% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $246 vs $5 annually, a gap of $241 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EVN currently yields 5.64% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EVN and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7960 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, EVN or VXUS?
EVN has an expense ratio of 2.46% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $241 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EVN or VXUS?
Over the past year EVN returned +6.59% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EVN annualized -0.21% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EVN or VXUS?
EVN has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EVN -62.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EVN and VXUS?
EVN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EVN and VXUS?
EVN and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7960 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EVN or VXUS?
EVN yields 5.64% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so EVN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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