RA vs VXUS
Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. 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 | RA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.36% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $772M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.02% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 645 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.62% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.11% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.54% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.28% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 2, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RA vs VXUS Performance
Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. (RA) is a ETF from Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund, Inc. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RA returned +8.11% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, RA is up 5.62% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, RA compounded at +1.54% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.28% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +0.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% 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 -54.9% for RA 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RA charges 2.36% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $236 vs $5 annually, a gap of $231 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RA currently yields 10.02% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RA and VXUS share 34 holdings out of 8092 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RA or VXUS?
RA has an expense ratio of 2.36% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $231 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RA or VXUS?
Over the past year RA returned +8.11% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RA annualized +0.80% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RA or VXUS?
RA has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RA -54.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RA and VXUS?
RA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RA and VXUS?
RA and VXUS share 34 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8092 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RA or VXUS?
RA yields 10.02% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so RA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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