MLPA vs VXUS
Global X MLP ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, MLPA or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MLPA led over 1Y and 5Y, VXUS over 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MLPA | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.77% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $2.4B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 7.04% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 22 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +24.78%Best | +13.35% |
| 1Y Return | +26.55%Best | +22.44% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.23% | +19.44%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.67%Best | +8.82% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 14.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -86.2% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $24,543Best | $15,260 |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 19, 2012 to Sep 10, 2026 (14.4 years).
MLPA vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 14.4 years both funds cover.
MLPA vs VXUS Performance
Global X MLP ETF (MLPA) is an ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MLPA returned +26.55% while VXUS returned +22.44%. Year to date, MLPA is up 24.78% versus a gain of 13.35% for VXUS.
Over three years, MLPA compounded at +18.23% per year against +19.44% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.67% and +8.82% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +5.95% annualized vs -0.22%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MLPA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% compared with 14.5% 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 -86.2% for MLPA and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.55. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MLPA charges 0.77% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $77 vs $5 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MLPA currently yields 7.04% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 20 holdings in MLPA and 8,091 in VXUS, totalling 109.1% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 20 positions we hold weights for in MLPA and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 22 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MLPA and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MLPA or VXUS?
MLPA has an expense ratio of 0.77% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $72 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MLPA or VXUS?
Over the past year MLPA returned +26.55% vs +22.44% for VXUS, so MLPA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), MLPA annualized -0.22% vs +5.95% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MLPA or VXUS?
MLPA has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 14.5% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MLPA -86.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MLPA and VXUS?
MLPA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MLPA or VXUS?
MLPA yields 7.04% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so MLPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than MLPA?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. MLPA led over 1Y and 5Y, VXUS over 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.