BFEB vs VXUS
Innovator US Equity Buffer ETF - February vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, BFEB or VXUS?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BFEB led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BFEB | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $262M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 12 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +10.59% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.93% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.20% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.63%Best | +9.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.1%Best | 16.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -26.4%Best | -34.2% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,334Best | $15,485 |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 3, 2020 to Sep 17, 2026 (6.6 years).
BFEB vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.6 years both funds cover.
BFEB vs VXUS Performance
Innovator US Equity Buffer ETF - February (BFEB) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BFEB returned +14.93% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, BFEB is up 10.59% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, BFEB compounded at +16.20% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.63% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BFEB has the edge at +12.50% annualized vs +10.15%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% compared with 11.1% for BFEB. 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 -26.4% for BFEB and -34.2% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BFEB charges 0.79% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $5 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BFEB currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BFEB and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BFEB or VXUS?
BFEB has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $74 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BFEB or VXUS?
Over the past year BFEB returned +14.93% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BFEB annualized +12.50% vs +10.15% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BFEB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 11.1% for BFEB. Worst drawdown: BFEB -26.4% vs VXUS -34.2%.
Should I hold both BFEB and VXUS?
BFEB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BFEB or VXUS?
BFEB yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than BFEB?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BFEB led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.