VXUS vs. FWD

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) and FWD (AB Disruptors ETF) are both Global Equities funds. VXUS is passively managed, while FWD is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VXUS returned 18.80%/yr vs 33.32%/yr for FWD. Their 0.72 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. VXUS charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for FWD.

Performance

VXUS vs. FWD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and AB Disruptors ETF (FWD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXUS achieves a 15.23% return, which is significantly lower than FWD's 26.86% return.

VXUS

• 1D: 1.68%
• 1M: 1.90%
• 6M: 8.24%
• YTD: 15.23%
• 1Y: 28.78%
• 3Y*: 18.80%
• 5Y*: 8.98%
• 10Y*: 9.59%
• ALL TIME*: 6.70%

FWD

• 1D: 3.48%
• 1M: -3.71%
• 6M: 17.24%
• YTD: 26.86%
• 1Y: 43.64%
• 3Y*: 33.32%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 33.86%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	$44.02M	$42.79M	$37.28M
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	$377.93M	$404.12M	$507.23M

VXUS vs. FWD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	15.23%	32.35%	5.08%	11.79%
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	26.86%	32.00%	29.23%	23.48%

Correlation

The correlation between VXUS and FWD is 0.80, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 22, 2023	0.72

The correlation between VXUS and FWD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

VXUS vs. FWD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXUS	FWD
Technology	23.7%	51.2%
Financial Services	23.2%	0.5%
Industrials	14.5%	16.7%
Consumer Cyclical	6.8%	3.4%
Healthcare	6.8%	8.1%
Basic Materials	6.6%	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	0.8%
Energy	4.2%	0.8%
Communication Services	3.8%	3.8%
Utilities	2.9%	0.3%
Real Estate	1.7%	0.8%

Return for Risk

VXUS vs. FWD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 66
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 66
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 69

FWD

FWD Risk / Return Rank: 53
FWD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
FWD Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
FWD Omega Ratio Rank: 49
FWD Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
FWD Martin Ratio Rank: 60

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VXUS vs. FWD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and AB Disruptors ETF (FWD). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	VXUS	FWD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	1.48	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.36	1.99	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.25	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.56	2.14	+0.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.40	8.05	+1.35

VXUS vs. FWD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is comparable to the FWD Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXUS and FWD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VXUS vs. FWD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXUS drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, which is greater than FWD's maximum drawdown of -29.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXUS and FWD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXUS	FWD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.97%	-29.02%	-6.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-20.49%	+9.22%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-29.02%	+15.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.70%	-11.01%	+10.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.16%	-4.28%	-3.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	5.44%	-2.37%

Volatility

VXUS vs. FWD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is 5.34%, while AB Disruptors ETF (FWD) has a volatility of 11.58%. This indicates that VXUS experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FWD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VXUS	FWD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.34%	11.58%	-6.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.06%	25.05%	-9.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.91%	29.63%	-12.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.37%	26.06%	-9.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.04%	26.06%	-9.02%

VXUS vs. FWD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXUS has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than FWD's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

VXUS vs. FWD - Dividend Comparison

VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.53%, more than FWD's 0.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FWD AB Disruptors ETF	0.09%	0.11%	1.89%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.53%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VXUS and FWD in my portfolio?

VXUS and FWD have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VXUS or FWD?

FWD has higher volatility (11.58%) compared to VXUS (5.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXUS dropped -35.97% vs FWD's -29.02%.

Which ETF is better, VXUS or FWD?

On 3-year performance, FWD leads with 33.32% vs 18.80% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, VXUS has been the lower-risk option at 5.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXUS or FWD?

Over the 3-year period, FWD has performed better with a 33.32% return vs 18.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXUS or FWD?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FWD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VXUS or FWD?

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.53%, compared with 0.09% for FWD.

What is the main difference between VXUS and FWD?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXUS and 0.65% for FWD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 1.48), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.