TRIO vs VXUS
MC Trio Equity Buffered ETF 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 | TRIO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $120M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.96% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.31% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | McCarthy & Cox | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TRIO vs VXUS Performance
MC Trio Equity Buffered ETF (TRIO) is a ETF from McCarthy & Cox and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TRIO returned +4.31% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, TRIO is up 7.96% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.3% for TRIO. 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 -11.1% for TRIO 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TRIO charges 0.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $5 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TRIO currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TRIO and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, TRIO or VXUS?
TRIO has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TRIO or VXUS?
Over the past year TRIO returned +4.31% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), TRIO annualized +7.72% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TRIO or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.3% for TRIO. Worst drawdown: TRIO -11.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TRIO and VXUS?
TRIO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TRIO and VXUS?
TRIO and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TRIO or VXUS?
TRIO yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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