PAXS vs VXUS
PIMCO Access Income Fund 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 | PAXS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $693M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.21% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 443 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.48% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.10% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.54% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PAXS vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO Access Income Fund (PAXS) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PAXS returned +2.10% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, PAXS is up 0.48% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, PAXS compounded at +10.54% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +4.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PAXS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -22.3% for PAXS 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PAXS charges 2.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $209 vs $5 annually, a gap of $204 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PAXS currently yields 12.21% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PAXS and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7869 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PAXS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMPS:MI | 1.33% | 0.05% | 1.28% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PAXS or VXUS?
PAXS has an expense ratio of 2.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $204 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PAXS or VXUS?
Over the past year PAXS returned +2.10% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PAXS annualized +4.26% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PAXS or VXUS?
PAXS has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PAXS -22.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PAXS and VXUS?
PAXS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PAXS and VXUS?
PAXS and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7869 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PAXS or VXUS?
PAXS yields 12.21% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PAXS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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