TAIL vs VXUS
Cambria Tail Risk 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TAIL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $148M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.99% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -10.07% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | -11.37% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -5.43% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -9.21% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Cambria Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 5, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TAIL vs VXUS Performance
Cambria Tail Risk ETF (TAIL) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TAIL returned -11.37% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, TAIL is down 10.07% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, TAIL compounded at -5.43% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -9.21% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs -7.45%. 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 11.1% 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 -53.6% for TAIL 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 -0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 2.99% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TAIL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7871 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, TAIL or VXUS?
TAIL has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TAIL or VXUS?
Over the past year TAIL returned -11.37% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), TAIL annualized -7.45% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TAIL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.1% for TAIL. Worst drawdown: TAIL -53.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TAIL and VXUS?
TAIL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TAIL and VXUS?
TAIL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7871 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TAIL or VXUS?
TAIL yields 2.99% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so TAIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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