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

MetricPEOVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.58%0.05%
AUM$740M$156.5B
Dividend Yield12.17%2.60%
Holdings588,747
YTD Return+19.56%+14.57%
1Y Return+26.50%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.97%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+19.87%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)23.0%15.1%
Max Drawdown-70.9%-39.9%
Fund FamilyAdams FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 30, 1929Jan 26, 2011

PEO vs VXUS Performance

Adams Natural Resources Fund (PEO) is a ETF from Adams Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PEO returned +26.50% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PEO is up 19.56% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, PEO compounded at +12.97% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.87% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, PEO has the edge at +10.15% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PEO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -70.9% for PEO 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PEO charges 0.58% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $5 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEO currently yields 12.17% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

PEO and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7915 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PEOWeight in VXUSDifference
CVE:CA0.64%0.07%0.57%
CCO:CA0.23%0.11%0.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PEO or VXUS?

PEO has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PEO or VXUS?

Over the past year PEO returned +26.50% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PEO annualized +10.15% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PEO or VXUS?

PEO has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PEO -70.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both PEO and VXUS?

PEO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PEO and VXUS?

PEO and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7915 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PEO or VXUS?

PEO yields 12.17% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PEO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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