VXUS vs WABF
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs Western Asset Bond ETF
Which is better, VXUS or WABF?
Large Cap Blend against High Yield Bond.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | WABF |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.35% |
| AUM | $158.1B | $16M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 5.27% |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 449 |
| YTD Return | +12.57%Best | -1.61% |
| 1Y Return | +19.71%Best | -1.11% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.25%Best | +4.72% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.59% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.9% | 6.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -5.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 3 years | $17,336Best | $11,484 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | High Yield Bond |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Sep 19, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 21, 2023 to Sep 15, 2026 (3 years).
VXUS vs WABF growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs WABF Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) is an ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VXUS returned +19.71% while WABF returned -1.11%. Year to date, VXUS is up 12.57% versus a loss of 1.61% for WABF.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.25% per year against +4.72% for WABF.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 11.9% compared with 6.5% for WABF. 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 -13.6% for VXUS and -5.4% for WABF. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while WABF charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $35 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.51% against 5.27% for WABF.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and WABF you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or WABF?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while WABF charges 0.35%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $30 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or WABF?
Over the past year VXUS returned +19.71% vs -1.11% for WABF, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or WABF?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 11.9% annualized versus 6.5% for WABF. Worst drawdown: VXUS -13.6% vs WABF -5.4%.
Should I hold both VXUS and WABF?
VXUS and WABF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or WABF?
VXUS yields 2.51% while WABF yields 5.27%, so WABF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is WABF better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.