BNDS vs VXUS
BNDS vs VXUS
Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF 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 | BNDS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $94M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.71% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 77 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.88% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.12% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | InfraCap | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 15, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BNDS vs VXUS Performance
Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF (BNDS) is a ETF from InfraCap and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDS returned +9.12% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, BNDS is up 3.88% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 5.4% for BNDS. 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 -7.0% for BNDS 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BNDS charges 0.88% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $5 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDS currently yields 8.71% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BNDS and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7930 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, BNDS or VXUS?
BNDS has an expense ratio of 0.88% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BNDS or VXUS?
Over the past year BNDS returned +9.12% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BNDS annualized +8.11% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BNDS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.4% for BNDS. Worst drawdown: BNDS -7.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BNDS and VXUS?
BNDS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BNDS and VXUS?
BNDS and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7930 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BNDS or VXUS?
BNDS yields 8.71% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BNDS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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