BTAL vs VXUS
BTAL vs VXUS
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund 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 | BTAL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $306M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 402 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -14.16% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | -24.93% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -9.92% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.45% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | AGFiQ | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BTAL vs VXUS Performance
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL) is a ETF from AGFiQ and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTAL returned -24.93% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, BTAL is down 14.16% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, BTAL compounded at -9.92% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -4.45% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.69% annualized vs -3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 14.9% for BTAL. 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 -52.7% for BTAL 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 -0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BTAL charges 1.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $5 annually, a gap of $135 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTAL currently yields 3.20% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BTAL and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8253 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BTAL | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LH:TH | 0.44% | 0.00% | 0.44% |
| SAIL:MB | 0.37% | 0.01% | 0.36% |
| KR | 0.32% | 0.00% | 0.32% |
| GLXY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IRM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAR:AU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings BTAL shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BTAL or VXUS?
BTAL has an expense ratio of 1.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $135 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BTAL or VXUS?
Over the past year BTAL returned -24.93% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BTAL annualized -3.69% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BTAL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.9% for BTAL. Worst drawdown: BTAL -52.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BTAL and VXUS?
BTAL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BTAL and VXUS?
BTAL and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8253 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTAL or VXUS?
BTAL yields 3.20% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BTAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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