TPZ vs VXUS
Tortoise Essential Energy Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. TPZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TPZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $121M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.09% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +58.31% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.77% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Tortoise Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2009 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TPZ vs VXUS Performance
Tortoise Essential Energy Fund (TPZ) is a ETF from Tortoise Capital and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TPZ returned +58.31% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, TPZ is up 3.09% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, TPZ compounded at +23.77% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, TPZ has the edge at +8.26% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TPZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.4% 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 -87.9% for TPZ 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TPZ charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TPZ currently yields 3.15% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TPZ and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 7897 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, TPZ or VXUS?
TPZ has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TPZ or VXUS?
Over the past year TPZ returned +58.31% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so TPZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TPZ annualized +8.26% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TPZ or VXUS?
TPZ has been the more volatile fund at 24.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TPZ -87.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TPZ and VXUS?
TPZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TPZ and VXUS?
TPZ and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7897 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TPZ or VXUS?
TPZ yields 3.15% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so TPZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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