VRAI vs VXUS
Virtus Real Asset Income ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VRAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VRAI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $19M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.82% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 91 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +23.63% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.48% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.48% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.05% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 7, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VRAI vs VXUS Performance
Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VRAI returned +28.48% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, VRAI is up 23.63% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, VRAI compounded at +13.48% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.05% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VRAI has the edge at +5.51% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VRAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -48.9% for VRAI 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VRAI charges 0.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $5 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VRAI currently yields 2.82% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
VRAI and VXUS share 9 holdings out of 7950 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VRAI or VXUS?
VRAI has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VRAI or VXUS?
Over the past year VRAI returned +28.48% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so VRAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), VRAI annualized +5.51% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VRAI or VXUS?
VRAI has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VRAI -48.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both VRAI and VXUS?
VRAI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VRAI and VXUS?
VRAI and VXUS share 9 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7950 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VRAI or VXUS?
VRAI yields 2.82% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VRAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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