TAXS vs VXUS
Northern Trust Short Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TAXS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $130M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.82% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 707 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.02% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TAXS vs VXUS Performance
Northern Trust Short Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXS) is a ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TAXS returned +2.34% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, TAXS is up 1.02% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 1.3% for TAXS. 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 -0.8% for TAXS 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TAXS charges 0.05% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $5 annually. On income, TAXS currently yields 1.82% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TAXS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8210 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, TAXS or VXUS?
TAXS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VXUS charges 0.05%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TAXS or VXUS?
Over the past year TAXS returned +2.34% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TAXS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.3% for TAXS. Worst drawdown: TAXS -0.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TAXS and VXUS?
TAXS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TAXS and VXUS?
TAXS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8210 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TAXS or VXUS?
TAXS yields 1.82% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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