BKT vs VXUS
BKT vs VXUS
BlackRock Income Trust Inc 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 | BKT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $350M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.60% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 336 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -2.34% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.79% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.51% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.56% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 1, 1988 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BKT vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Income Trust Inc (BKT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BKT returned -3.79% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, BKT is down 2.34% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, BKT compounded at +3.51% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -3.56% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.66% annualized vs -0.44%. 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 9.2% for BKT. 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 -46.0% for BKT 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BKT charges 2.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $275 vs $5 annually, a gap of $270 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BKT currently yields 9.60% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BKT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7954 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, BKT or VXUS?
BKT has an expense ratio of 2.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $270 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BKT or VXUS?
Over the past year BKT returned -3.79% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BKT annualized -0.44% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BKT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.2% for BKT. Worst drawdown: BKT -46.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BKT and VXUS?
BKT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BKT and VXUS?
BKT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7954 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BKT or VXUS?
BKT yields 9.60% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BKT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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