PWZ vs VXUS
Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF 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 | PWZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.59% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,109 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.99% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.38% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.00% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.02% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 11, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PWZ vs VXUS Performance
Invesco California AMT-Free Municipal Bond ETF (PWZ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PWZ returned +8.38% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, PWZ is up 1.99% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, PWZ compounded at +3.00% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.02% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +0.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 7.0% for PWZ. 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 -24.7% for PWZ 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PWZ charges 0.28% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $5 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PWZ currently yields 3.59% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
PWZ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8369 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, PWZ or VXUS?
PWZ has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PWZ or VXUS?
Over the past year PWZ returned +8.38% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PWZ annualized +0.68% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PWZ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.0% for PWZ. Worst drawdown: PWZ -24.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PWZ and VXUS?
PWZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PWZ and VXUS?
PWZ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8369 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PWZ or VXUS?
PWZ yields 3.59% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so PWZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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