Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: BBCMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBBCVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.65%0.05%
AUM$47M$156.5B
Dividend Yield1.24%2.60%
Holdings1238,747
YTD Return+39.56%+14.57%
1Y Return+154.07%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+34.90%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.34%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)35.9%15.1%
Max Drawdown-76.8%-39.9%
Fund FamilyVirtus Investment PartnersVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 16, 2014Jan 26, 2011

BBC vs VXUS Performance

Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (BBC) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BBC returned +154.07% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BBC is up 39.56% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, BBC compounded at +34.90% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.34% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, BBC has the edge at +6.51% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BBC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.9% 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 -76.8% for BBC 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BBC charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BBC currently yields 1.24% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BBC and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7982 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, BBC or VXUS?

BBC has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BBC or VXUS?

Over the past year BBC returned +154.07% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so BBC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BBC annualized +6.51% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BBC or VXUS?

BBC has been the more volatile fund at 35.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BBC -76.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both BBC and VXUS?

BBC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BBC and VXUS?

BBC and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7982 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BBC or VXUS?

BBC yields 1.24% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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