BAFE vs VXUS
BAFE vs VXUS
Brown Advisory Flexible Equity 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAFE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.28% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.94% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.25% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Brown Advisory | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BAFE vs VXUS Performance
Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF (BAFE) is a ETF from Brown Advisory and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BAFE returned +17.25% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BAFE is up 10.94% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.8% for BAFE. 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 -18.4% for BAFE 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAFE charges 0.54% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $5 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAFE currently yields 0.28% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BAFE and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7904 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BAFE | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SU:CA | 2.79% | 0.40% | 2.39% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAFE or VXUS?
BAFE has an expense ratio of 0.54% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAFE or VXUS?
Over the past year BAFE returned +17.25% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BAFE annualized +11.99% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAFE or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.8% for BAFE. Worst drawdown: BAFE -18.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BAFE and VXUS?
BAFE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BAFE and VXUS?
BAFE and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7904 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAFE or VXUS?
BAFE yields 0.28% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.