BGRN vs VXUS
BGRN vs VXUS
iShares USD Green Bond 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 | BGRN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $501M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.28% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 322 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.09% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.89% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.16% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BGRN vs VXUS Performance
iShares USD Green Bond ETF (BGRN) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BGRN returned +2.34% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BGRN is up 0.09% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BGRN compounded at +4.89% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.16% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 5.5% for BGRN. 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 -19.2% for BGRN 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BGRN charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BGRN currently yields 4.28% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BGRN and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8073 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BGRN or VXUS?
BGRN has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BGRN or VXUS?
Over the past year BGRN returned +2.34% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), BGRN annualized +1.48% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGRN or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.5% for BGRN. Worst drawdown: BGRN -19.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BGRN and VXUS?
BGRN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BGRN and VXUS?
BGRN and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8073 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGRN or VXUS?
BGRN yields 4.28% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BGRN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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