TYG vs VXUS
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TYG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.96% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.81% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.23% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.91% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.39% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | TortoiseEcofin Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TYG vs VXUS Performance
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation (TYG) is a ETF from TortoiseEcofin Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TYG returned +15.23% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, TYG is up 14.81% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, TYG compounded at +25.91% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +21.39% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs -1.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TYG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.9% 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 -97.3% for TYG 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TYG charges 1.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $149 vs $5 annually, a gap of $144 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TYG currently yields 11.96% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TYG and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 7898 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, TYG or VXUS?
TYG has an expense ratio of 1.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $144 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TYG or VXUS?
Over the past year TYG returned +15.23% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TYG annualized -1.34% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TYG or VXUS?
TYG has been the more volatile fund at 34.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TYG -97.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TYG and VXUS?
TYG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TYG and VXUS?
TYG and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7898 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TYG or VXUS?
TYG yields 11.96% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so TYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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