TAXT vs VXUS
Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TAXT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $60M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.85% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 441 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.54% | +14.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.58% | +25.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TAXT vs VXUS Performance
Northern Trust Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (TAXT) 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 TAXT returned +4.58% while VXUS returned +25.63%. Year to date, TAXT is up 0.54% versus a gain of 14.98% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.8% for TAXT. 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 -2.5% for TAXT 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TAXT charges 0.05% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $5 annually. On income, TAXT currently yields 2.85% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TAXT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8243 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, TAXT or VXUS?
TAXT 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, TAXT or VXUS?
Over the past year TAXT returned +4.58% vs +25.63% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), TAXT annualized +4.59% vs +4.87% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TAXT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.8% for TAXT. Worst drawdown: TAXT -2.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TAXT and VXUS?
TAXT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TAXT and VXUS?
TAXT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8243 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TAXT or VXUS?
TAXT yields 2.85% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so TAXT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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