SABA vs VXUS
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund II 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 | SABA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.71% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $255M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.41% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 740 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.52% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.67% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.59% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Saba Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 17, 1988 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SABA vs VXUS Performance
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund II (SABA) is a ETF from Saba Capital and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SABA returned -1.67% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SABA is up 5.52% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SABA compounded at +9.63% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.59% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.17%. 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 13.2% for SABA. 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 -62.0% for SABA 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SABA charges 0.71% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $71 vs $5 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SABA currently yields 8.41% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SABA and VXUS share 36 holdings out of 8204 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, SABA or VXUS?
SABA has an expense ratio of 0.71% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SABA or VXUS?
Over the past year SABA returned -1.67% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SABA annualized -0.17% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SABA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.2% for SABA. Worst drawdown: SABA -62.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SABA and VXUS?
SABA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SABA and VXUS?
SABA and VXUS share 36 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8204 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SABA or VXUS?
SABA yields 8.41% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SABA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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