BFRZ vs VXUS
Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer 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 | BFRZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $137M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.27% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 201 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.29% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.94% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BFRZ vs VXUS Performance
Innovator Equity Managed 100 Buffer ETF (BFRZ) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BFRZ returned +5.94% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BFRZ is up 1.29% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 4.2% for BFRZ. 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 -3.1% for BFRZ 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BFRZ charges 0.89% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $5 annually, a gap of $84 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BFRZ currently yields 0.27% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BFRZ and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8041 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BFRZ or VXUS?
BFRZ has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $84 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BFRZ or VXUS?
Over the past year BFRZ returned +5.94% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BFRZ annualized +7.06% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BFRZ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.2% for BFRZ. Worst drawdown: BFRZ -3.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BFRZ and VXUS?
BFRZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BFRZ and VXUS?
BFRZ and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8041 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BFRZ or VXUS?
BFRZ yields 0.27% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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