RIGS vs VXUS
ALPS Strategic Income Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, RIGS or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RIGS | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $63M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.86% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 82 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -0.07% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +0.07% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.52% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.76% | +9.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6%Best | 14.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -18.2%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,912 | $15,485Best |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 7, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 9, 2013 to Sep 17, 2026 (12.9 years).
RIGS vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 12.9 years both funds cover.
RIGS vs VXUS Performance
ALPS Strategic Income Fund (RIGS) is an ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RIGS returned +0.07% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, RIGS is down 0.07% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, RIGS compounded at +4.52% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.76% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +5.69% annualized vs +0.90%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 4.6% for RIGS. 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 -18.2% for RIGS and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RIGS charges 0.45% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $5 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RIGS currently yields 4.86% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 63 holdings in RIGS and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 77.5% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 63 positions we hold weights for in RIGS and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 82 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of RIGS and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RIGS or VXUS?
RIGS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $40 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, RIGS or VXUS?
Over the past year RIGS returned +0.07% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), RIGS annualized +0.90% vs +5.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, RIGS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 4.6% for RIGS. Worst drawdown: RIGS -18.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RIGS and VXUS?
RIGS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, RIGS or VXUS?
RIGS yields 4.86% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so RIGS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than RIGS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.