SUB vs VXUS
SUB vs VXUS
iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SUB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $11.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 2,925 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.84% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.82% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.08% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.43% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 5, 2008 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SUB vs VXUS Performance
iShares Short-Term National Muni Bond ETF (SUB) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SUB returned +1.82% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SUB is up 0.84% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SUB compounded at +3.08% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.43% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.81%. 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 1.7% for SUB. 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 -11.7% for SUB 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
SUB charges 0.07% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SUB currently yields 2.52% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SUB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8644 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, SUB or VXUS?
SUB has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SUB or VXUS?
Over the past year SUB returned +1.82% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SUB annualized +0.81% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SUB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.7% for SUB. Worst drawdown: SUB -11.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SUB and VXUS?
SUB 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 SUB and VXUS?
SUB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8644 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SUB or VXUS?
SUB yields 2.52% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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