TBLU vs VXUS
Tortoise Global Water Fund 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TBLU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $57M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.44% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 63 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.39% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.87% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.82% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.91% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Tortoise Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TBLU vs VXUS Performance
Tortoise Global Water Fund (TBLU) is a ETF from Tortoise Capital and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TBLU returned +0.87% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, TBLU is up 3.39% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, TBLU compounded at +10.82% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.91% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, TBLU has the edge at +9.28% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TBLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -37.6% for TBLU 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TBLU charges 0.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $5 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TBLU currently yields 3.44% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TBLU and VXUS share 22 holdings out of 7900 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TBLU or VXUS?
TBLU has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TBLU or VXUS?
Over the past year TBLU returned +0.87% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), TBLU annualized +9.28% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TBLU or VXUS?
TBLU has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TBLU -37.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TBLU and VXUS?
TBLU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TBLU and VXUS?
TBLU and VXUS share 22 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7900 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TBLU or VXUS?
TBLU yields 3.44% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so TBLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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