SMMU vs VXUS
PIMCO Short Term Municipal Bond Active Exchange-Traded Fund 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 | SMMU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.81% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 329 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.09% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.49% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.50% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.89% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMMU vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO Short Term Municipal Bond Active Exchange-Traded Fund (SMMU) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMMU returned +2.49% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, SMMU is up 1.09% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, SMMU compounded at +3.50% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.89% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +0.77%. 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 1.6% for SMMU. 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 -5.1% for SMMU 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMMU charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMMU currently yields 2.81% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMMU and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8082 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, SMMU or VXUS?
SMMU has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMMU or VXUS?
Over the past year SMMU returned +2.49% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SMMU annualized +0.77% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMMU or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.6% for SMMU. Worst drawdown: SMMU -5.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMMU and VXUS?
SMMU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMMU and VXUS?
SMMU and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8082 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMMU or VXUS?
SMMU yields 2.81% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SMMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.