THW vs VXUS
Abrdn World Healthcare Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. THW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | THW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.00% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $483M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.27% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 123 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.86% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.33% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.93% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.05% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
THW vs VXUS Performance
Abrdn World Healthcare Fund (THW) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year THW returned +41.33% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, THW is up 17.86% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, THW compounded at +12.93% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.05% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +1.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
THW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -55.6% for THW 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
THW charges 3.00% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $300 vs $5 annually, a gap of $295 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, THW currently yields 10.27% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
THW and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 7958 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, THW or VXUS?
THW has an expense ratio of 3.00% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $295 per year of difference.
Which performed better, THW or VXUS?
Over the past year THW returned +41.33% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so THW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), THW annualized +1.96% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, THW or VXUS?
THW has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: THW -55.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both THW and VXUS?
THW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between THW and VXUS?
THW and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7958 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, THW or VXUS?
THW yields 10.27% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so THW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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