PBW vs VXUS
Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. PBW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $386M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.21% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.68% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.82% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.74% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -14.96% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 3, 2005 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PBW vs VXUS Performance
Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBW returned +47.82% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, PBW is up 7.68% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, PBW compounded at -1.74% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -14.96% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs -3.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PBW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.5% 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 -89.7% for PBW 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBW charges 0.64% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $5 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBW currently yields 1.21% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PBW and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7928 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, PBW or VXUS?
PBW has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBW or VXUS?
Over the past year PBW returned +47.82% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so PBW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PBW annualized -3.22% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBW or VXUS?
PBW has been the more volatile fund at 35.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PBW -89.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PBW and VXUS?
PBW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PBW and VXUS?
PBW and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7928 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBW or VXUS?
PBW yields 1.21% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.