BAI vs VXUS
iShares AI Innovation and Tech Active ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $12.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.17% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +31.79% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.92% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BAI vs VXUS Performance
iShares AI Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BAI returned +43.92% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BAI is up 31.79% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.4% 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 -34.1% for BAI 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAI charges 0.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $5 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAI currently yields 1.17% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BAI and VXUS share 8 holdings out of 7897 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAI or VXUS?
BAI has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAI or VXUS?
Over the past year BAI returned +43.92% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so BAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BAI annualized +39.33% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAI or VXUS?
BAI has been the more volatile fund at 38.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BAI -34.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BAI and VXUS?
BAI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BAI and VXUS?
BAI and VXUS share 8 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7897 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAI or VXUS?
BAI yields 1.17% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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