BHV vs VXUS
BlackRock Virginia Municipal Bond Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BHV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BHV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $18M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.11% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +24.85% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.11% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.82% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.52% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 30, 2002 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BHV vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Virginia Municipal Bond Trust (BHV) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BHV returned +32.11% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, BHV is up 24.85% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, BHV compounded at +11.82% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -3.52% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +0.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BHV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -57.4% for BHV 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BHV charges 2.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $260 vs $5 annually, a gap of $255 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BHV currently yields 5.11% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BHV and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7887 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, BHV or VXUS?
BHV has an expense ratio of 2.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $255 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BHV or VXUS?
Over the past year BHV returned +32.11% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so BHV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BHV annualized +0.27% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BHV or VXUS?
BHV has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BHV -57.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BHV and VXUS?
BHV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BHV and VXUS?
BHV and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7887 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BHV or VXUS?
BHV yields 5.11% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so BHV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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