BESF vs VXUS

BESF vs VXUS
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Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BESF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: BESFMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBESFVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.80%0.05%
AUM$34M$158.1B
Dividend Yield5.85%2.59%
Holdings218,747
YTD Return+17.16%+15.22%
1Y Return+63.64%+26.86%
3Y Return (annualized)-+20.34%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.38%
Volatility (annualized)16.3%15.1%
Max Drawdown-11.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyEA Series TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 3, 2025Jan 26, 2011

BESF vs VXUS Performance

Bastion Energy ETF (BESF) is a ETF from EA Series Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BESF returned +63.64% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, BESF is up 17.16% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BESF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -11.0% for BESF 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 -0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BESF charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BESF currently yields 5.85% against 2.59% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BESF and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7890 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in BESFWeight in VXUSDifference
SRE4.30%0.00%4.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BESF or VXUS?

BESF has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BESF or VXUS?

Over the past year BESF returned +63.64% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so BESF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BESF annualized +56.84% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BESF or VXUS?

BESF has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BESF -11.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both BESF and VXUS?

BESF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BESF and VXUS?

BESF and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7890 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BESF or VXUS?

BESF yields 5.85% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so BESF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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