MUSI vs VXUS
American Century Multisector Income ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, MUSI or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y 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 | MUSI | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $262M | $164.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.49% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 419 | 8,844 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4%Best | 15.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 5.2 years | $10,894 | $15,505Best |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 28 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. MUSI has data through Sep 11, 2026 and VXUS through Oct 9, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 5.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 1, 2021 to Sep 11, 2026 (5.2 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 5.4% for MUSI. 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 -13.9% for MUSI and -29.4% 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUSI charges 0.38% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $5 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUSI currently yields 5.49% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 149 holdings in MUSI and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 40.7% and 89.3% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 1 positions appear in both.
1 positions in common, counted across the 149 positions we hold weights for in MUSI and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 419 and 8,844.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MUSI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSBA:LNHsbc Holdings Plc | 0.19% | 0.82% | 0.63% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MUSI 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, MUSI or VXUS?
MUSI has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $33 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, MUSI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 5.4% for MUSI. Worst drawdown: MUSI -13.9% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both MUSI and VXUS?
MUSI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, 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, MUSI or VXUS?
MUSI yields 5.49% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so MUSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than MUSI?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.