SWAN vs VXUS
Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core 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 | SWAN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $157M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.19% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +5.84% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.45% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.49% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.46% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 5, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SWAN vs VXUS Performance
Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF (SWAN) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SWAN returned +12.45% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SWAN is up 5.84% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SWAN compounded at +12.49% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.46% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SWAN has the edge at +6.16% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 11.8% for SWAN. 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 -31.0% for SWAN 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SWAN charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SWAN currently yields 3.19% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SWAN and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7870 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, SWAN or VXUS?
SWAN has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SWAN or VXUS?
Over the past year SWAN returned +12.45% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SWAN annualized +6.16% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SWAN or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.8% for SWAN. Worst drawdown: SWAN -31.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SWAN and VXUS?
SWAN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SWAN and VXUS?
SWAN and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SWAN or VXUS?
SWAN yields 3.19% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SWAN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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