TAIL vs VXUS
Cambria Tail Risk ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, TAIL or VXUS?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.54, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TAIL | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $154M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.04% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 11 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -11.98% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | -14.20% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -5.77% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -9.65% | +9.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0%Best | 15.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $6,021 | $15,485Best |
| Fund Family | Cambria Investment Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 5, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 6, 2017 to Sep 17, 2026 (9.4 years).
TAIL vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9.4 years both funds cover.
TAIL vs VXUS Performance
Cambria Tail Risk ETF (TAIL) is an ETF from Cambria Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TAIL returned -14.20% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, TAIL is down 11.98% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, TAIL compounded at -5.77% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -9.65% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +7.98% annualized vs -7.62%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.0% for TAIL. 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 -54.6% for TAIL and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.54. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TAIL charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TAIL currently yields 3.04% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 2 holdings in TAIL and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 93.4% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 2 positions we hold weights for in TAIL and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 11 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of TAIL and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TAIL or VXUS?
TAIL has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $54 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, TAIL or VXUS?
Over the past year TAIL returned -14.20% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), TAIL annualized -7.62% vs +7.98% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, TAIL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.0% for TAIL. Worst drawdown: TAIL -54.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TAIL and VXUS?
TAIL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.54, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, TAIL or VXUS?
TAIL yields 3.04% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so TAIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than TAIL?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.54, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.