BBN vs VXUS
BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BBN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.16% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.42% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.91% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.22% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.34% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BBN vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust (BBN) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BBN returned +4.91% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, BBN is up 1.42% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, BBN compounded at +7.22% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -3.34% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +0.90%. 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 12.8% for BBN. 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 -38.4% for BBN 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BBN charges 1.07% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $5 annually, a gap of $102 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BBN currently yields 7.16% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BBN and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7960 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, BBN or VXUS?
BBN has an expense ratio of 1.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $102 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BBN or VXUS?
Over the past year BBN returned +4.91% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BBN annualized +0.90% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BBN or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.8% for BBN. Worst drawdown: BBN -38.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BBN and VXUS?
BBN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BBN and VXUS?
BBN and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7960 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BBN or VXUS?
BBN yields 7.16% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so BBN 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.