MARU vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMARUVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.05%
AUM$34M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings78,747
YTD Return+9.68%+14.57%
1Y Return+16.65%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)8.8%15.1%
Max Drawdown-8.5%-39.9%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionFeb 28, 2025Jan 26, 2011

MARU vs VXUS Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Mar ETF (MARU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MARU returned +16.65% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MARU is up 9.68% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 8.8% for MARU. 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 -8.5% for MARU 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MARU charges 0.74% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $5 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARU currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MARU or VXUS?

MARU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MARU or VXUS?

Over the past year MARU returned +16.65% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MARU annualized +15.85% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MARU or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.8% for MARU. Worst drawdown: MARU -8.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both MARU and VXUS?

MARU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, MARU or VXUS?

MARU yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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