TAFL vs VXUS
AB Tax-Aware Long Municipal 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 | TAFL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $61M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.50% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 146 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.03% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.88% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TAFL vs VXUS Performance
AB Tax-Aware Long Municipal ETF (TAFL) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TAFL returned +6.88% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, TAFL is up 1.03% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.8% for TAFL. 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 -6.3% for TAFL 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TAFL charges 0.28% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $5 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TAFL currently yields 3.50% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TAFL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7928 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, TAFL or VXUS?
TAFL has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TAFL or VXUS?
Over the past year TAFL returned +6.88% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), TAFL annualized +3.22% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TAFL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.8% for TAFL. Worst drawdown: TAFL -6.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TAFL and VXUS?
TAFL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TAFL and VXUS?
TAFL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7928 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TAFL or VXUS?
TAFL yields 3.50% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so TAFL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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