BFOR vs VXUS
BFOR vs VXUS
Barron'S 400 ETF 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BFOR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $233M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.57% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.25% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.70% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.21% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BFOR vs VXUS Performance
Barron'S 400 ETF (BFOR) is a ETF from ALPS ETF Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BFOR returned +26.25% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BFOR is up 17.57% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BFOR compounded at +18.70% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.21% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, BFOR has the edge at +11.35% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BFOR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -42.2% for BFOR 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BFOR charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BFOR currently yields 0.68% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BFOR and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 8239 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BFOR | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALL:AU | 0.28% | 0.04% | 0.24% |
| ESE | 0.28% | 0.00% | 0.28% |
| APA:AU | 0.23% | 0.02% | 0.21% |
| SSRM:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CASH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings BFOR shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BFOR or VXUS?
BFOR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BFOR or VXUS?
Over the past year BFOR returned +26.25% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BFOR annualized +11.35% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BFOR or VXUS?
BFOR has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BFOR -42.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BFOR and VXUS?
BFOR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BFOR and VXUS?
BFOR and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8239 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BFOR or VXUS?
BFOR yields 0.68% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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