ECAT vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricECATVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio1.43%0.05%
AUM$1.5B$156.5B
Dividend Yield21.30%2.60%
Holdings1,0088,747
YTD Return+14.41%+14.57%
1Y Return+18.22%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+20.35%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)17.7%15.1%
Max Drawdown-32.2%-39.9%
Fund FamilyBlackRock, Inc. (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionSep 28, 2021Jan 26, 2011

ECAT vs VXUS Performance

BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust (ECAT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ECAT returned +18.22% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, ECAT is up 14.41% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, ECAT compounded at +20.35% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, ECAT has the edge at +9.76% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ECAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -32.2% for ECAT 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ECAT charges 1.43% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $143 vs $5 annually, a gap of $138 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECAT currently yields 21.30% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

3.4%overlap

ECAT and VXUS share 24 holdings out of 8387 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ECATWeight in VXUSDifference
2330:TW0.06%3.41%3.35%
ASML:AS1.51%1.29%0.22%
ISP:MI1.10%0.24%0.86%
0700:KYProProPro
NG:LNProProPro
000660:KRProProPro
CCO:CAProProPro
AZN:LNProProPro
9988:HKProProPro
INGA:ASProProPro
See all 10 holdings ECAT shares with VXUS
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ECAT or VXUS?

ECAT has an expense ratio of 1.43% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $138 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ECAT or VXUS?

Over the past year ECAT returned +18.22% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ECAT annualized +9.76% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ECAT or VXUS?

ECAT has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ECAT -32.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both ECAT and VXUS?

ECAT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ECAT and VXUS?

ECAT and VXUS share 24 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8387 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ECAT or VXUS?

ECAT yields 21.30% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so ECAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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