BILZ vs VXUS
BILZ vs VXUS
PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active Exchange-Traded Fund 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 | BILZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $989M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.13% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.81% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.52% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.51% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 21, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BILZ vs VXUS Performance
PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active Exchange-Traded Fund (BILZ) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BILZ returned +3.52% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BILZ is up 1.81% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BILZ compounded at +4.51% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +4.37%. 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 0.4% for BILZ. 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 -0.5% for BILZ 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 -0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BILZ 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, BILZ currently yields 4.13% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BILZ or VXUS?
BILZ 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, BILZ or VXUS?
Over the past year BILZ returned +3.52% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BILZ annualized +4.37% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BILZ or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.4% for BILZ. Worst drawdown: BILZ -0.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BILZ and VXUS?
BILZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BILZ or VXUS?
BILZ yields 4.13% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BILZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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