BGR vs VXUS
BlackRock Energy and Resources Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BGR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BGR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.11% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $473M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.42% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +27.08% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.26% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.73% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 23, 2004 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BGR vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Energy and Resources Trust (BGR) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BGR returned +35.26% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, BGR is up 27.08% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, BGR compounded at +18.73% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +21.67% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs -0.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.6% 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 -87.7% for BGR 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BGR 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, BGR currently yields 6.42% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BGR and VXUS share 9 holdings out of 7890 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BGR or VXUS?
BGR 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, BGR or VXUS?
Over the past year BGR returned +35.26% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so BGR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BGR annualized -0.18% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGR or VXUS?
BGR has been the more volatile fund at 25.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BGR -87.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BGR and VXUS?
BGR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BGR and VXUS?
BGR and VXUS share 9 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7890 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGR or VXUS?
BGR yields 6.42% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so BGR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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