BCV vs VXUS
BCV vs VXUS
Bancroft Fund Ltd vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BCV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BCV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.11% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $177M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.84% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.19% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.62% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.25% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 1971 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BCV vs VXUS Performance
Bancroft Fund Ltd (BCV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BCV returned +28.19% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BCV is up 13.84% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BCV compounded at +19.62% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.25% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BCV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -99.4% for BCV 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BCV charges 1.11% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $111 vs $5 annually, a gap of $106 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BCV currently yields 3.46% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BCV and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7892 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, BCV or VXUS?
BCV has an expense ratio of 1.11% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $106 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BCV or VXUS?
Over the past year BCV returned +28.19% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so BCV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BCV annualized +2.63% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BCV or VXUS?
BCV has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BCV -99.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BCV and VXUS?
BCV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BCV and VXUS?
BCV and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7892 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BCV or VXUS?
BCV yields 3.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BCV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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