HERZ vs VXUS
Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Inc 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 | HERZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.45% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 29 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -22.82% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.67% | +26.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -2.48% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.76% | +9.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Herzfeld-Cuba | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 20, 1994 | Jan 26, 2011 |
HERZ vs VXUS Performance
Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Inc (HERZ) is a ETF from Herzfeld-Cuba and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HERZ returned -9.67% while VXUS returned +26.36%. Year to date, HERZ is down 22.82% versus a gain of 15.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, HERZ compounded at -2.48% per year against +20.98% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -1.76% and +9.68% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs -0.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HERZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.5% 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 -84.7% for HERZ 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HERZ charges 3.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $345 vs $5 annually, a gap of $340 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
HERZ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7888 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, HERZ or VXUS?
HERZ has an expense ratio of 3.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $340 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HERZ or VXUS?
Over the past year HERZ returned -9.67% vs +26.36% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HERZ annualized -0.15% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HERZ or VXUS?
HERZ has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: HERZ -84.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HERZ and VXUS?
HERZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HERZ and VXUS?
HERZ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7888 unique securities.
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