BIL vs VXUS
BIL vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill 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 | BIL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $47.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.85% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.82% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.49% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.33% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.41% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BIL vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (BIL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIL returned +3.49% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BIL is up 1.82% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BIL compounded at +4.33% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.41% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.87%. 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 0.6% for BIL. 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 -1.2% for BIL 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BIL charges 0.14% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $5 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BIL currently yields 3.85% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BIL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, BIL or VXUS?
BIL has an expense ratio of 0.14% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BIL or VXUS?
Over the past year BIL returned +3.49% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BIL annualized +0.87% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BIL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.6% for BIL. Worst drawdown: BIL -1.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BIL and VXUS?
BIL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BIL and VXUS?
BIL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BIL or VXUS?
BIL yields 3.85% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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