SEPW vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSEPWVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.05%
AUM$106M$156.5B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.60%
Holdings58,747
YTD Return+5.84%+14.07%
1Y Return+10.04%+27.24%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.65%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.14%
Volatility (annualized)5.1%15.1%
Max Drawdown-8.4%-39.9%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionSep 1, 2023Jan 26, 2011

SEPW vs VXUS Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer20 Sep ETF (SEPW) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEPW returned +10.04% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, SEPW is up 5.84% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.

Over three years, SEPW compounded at +10.65% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, SEPW has the edge at +10.65% annualized vs +4.83%. 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 5.1% for SEPW. 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 -8.4% for SEPW 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SEPW charges 0.74% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $5 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEPW currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SEPW or VXUS?

SEPW has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SEPW or VXUS?

Over the past year SEPW returned +10.04% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SEPW annualized +10.65% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SEPW or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.1% for SEPW. Worst drawdown: SEPW -8.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both SEPW and VXUS?

SEPW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, SEPW or VXUS?

SEPW yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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