Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTBLLVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.08%0.05%
AUM$2.6B$156.5B
Dividend Yield3.76%2.60%
Holdings868,747
YTD Return+2.07%+14.57%
1Y Return+3.81%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.57%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.50%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)0.8%15.1%
Max Drawdown-1.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJan 10, 2017Jan 26, 2011

TBLL vs VXUS Performance

Invesco Short Term Treasury ETF (TBLL) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TBLL returned +3.81% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, TBLL is up 2.07% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, TBLL compounded at +4.57% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.50% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.84%. 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 0.8% for TBLL. 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 -1.0% for TBLL 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

TBLL charges 0.08% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $5 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TBLL currently yields 3.76% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

TBLL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7905 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, TBLL or VXUS?

TBLL has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.

Which performed better, TBLL or VXUS?

Over the past year TBLL returned +3.81% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), TBLL annualized +1.84% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, TBLL or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.8% for TBLL. Worst drawdown: TBLL -1.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both TBLL and VXUS?

TBLL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between TBLL and VXUS?

TBLL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7905 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, TBLL or VXUS?

TBLL yields 3.76% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so TBLL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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