RSBA vs VXUS
Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RSBA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $53M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.88% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.95% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.41% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Return Stacked ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RSBA vs VXUS Performance
Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF (RSBA) is a ETF from Return Stacked ETF and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RSBA returned -2.41% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, RSBA is down 0.95% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.9% for RSBA. 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 -5.5% for RSBA 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSBA charges 1.01% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $5 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSBA currently yields 2.88% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RSBA and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7879 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RSBA | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAN:MA | -4.66% | 0.00% | 4.66% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSBA or VXUS?
RSBA has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSBA or VXUS?
Over the past year RSBA returned -2.41% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RSBA annualized +1.86% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSBA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.9% for RSBA. Worst drawdown: RSBA -5.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RSBA and VXUS?
RSBA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSBA and VXUS?
RSBA and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7879 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSBA or VXUS?
RSBA yields 2.88% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so RSBA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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