BCAT vs VXUS
BlackRock Capital Allocation Term Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BCAT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BCAT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.41% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 22.04% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 917 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +26.01% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.02% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.70% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.16% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BCAT vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Capital Allocation Term Trust (BCAT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BCAT returned +31.02% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, BCAT is up 26.01% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, BCAT compounded at +22.70% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.16% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, BCAT has the edge at +9.23% annualized vs +4.79%. 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 14.8% for BCAT. 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 -36.1% for BCAT 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BCAT charges 1.41% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $141 vs $5 annually, a gap of $136 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BCAT currently yields 22.04% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BCAT and VXUS share 24 holdings out of 8161 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BCAT or VXUS?
BCAT has an expense ratio of 1.41% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $136 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BCAT or VXUS?
Over the past year BCAT returned +31.02% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so BCAT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BCAT annualized +9.23% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BCAT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.8% for BCAT. Worst drawdown: BCAT -36.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BCAT and VXUS?
BCAT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BCAT and VXUS?
BCAT and VXUS share 24 common holdings with a 3.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8161 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BCAT or VXUS?
BCAT yields 22.04% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so BCAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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