BGT vs VXUS
BGT vs VXUS
BlackRock Floating Rate Income Trust 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 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BGT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.10% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $331M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.94% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 485 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.47% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.41% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.10% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.75% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 30, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BGT vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Floating Rate Income Trust (BGT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BGT returned -2.41% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, BGT is up 3.47% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BGT compounded at +9.10% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.75% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.80% annualized vs -0.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.1% for BGT. 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 -64.1% for BGT 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BGT charges 2.10% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $210 vs $5 annually, a gap of $205 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BGT currently yields 12.94% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BGT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8093 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, BGT or VXUS?
BGT has an expense ratio of 2.10% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $205 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BGT or VXUS?
Over the past year BGT returned -2.41% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BGT annualized -0.34% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.1% for BGT. Worst drawdown: BGT -64.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BGT and VXUS?
BGT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BGT and VXUS?
BGT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8093 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGT or VXUS?
BGT yields 12.94% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BGT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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