FRA vs VXUS
FRA vs VXUS
Blackrock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund 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 | FRA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.97% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $402M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 13.06% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 469 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.68% | +11.13% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.11% | +27.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.57% | +17.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.35% | +8.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 31, 2003 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FRA vs VXUS Performance
Blackrock Floating Rate Income Strategies Fund Inc (FRA) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FRA returned -7.11% while VXUS returned +27.13%. Year to date, FRA is down 0.68% versus a gain of 11.13% for VXUS.
Over three years, FRA compounded at +7.57% per year against +17.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.35% and +8.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FRA has the edge at +5.12% annualized vs +4.66%. 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 14.5% for FRA. 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 -51.4% for FRA 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FRA charges 2.97% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $297 vs $5 annually, a gap of $292 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FRA currently yields 13.06% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FRA and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8081 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, FRA or VXUS?
FRA has an expense ratio of 2.97% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $292 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FRA or VXUS?
Over the past year FRA returned -7.11% vs +27.13% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FRA annualized +5.12% vs +4.66% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FRA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.5% for FRA. Worst drawdown: FRA -51.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FRA and VXUS?
FRA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FRA and VXUS?
FRA and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8081 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FRA or VXUS?
FRA yields 13.06% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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