BKAG vs VXUS
BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, BKAG or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
BKAG has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BKAG | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00%Best | 0.05% |
| AUM | $2.2B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.30% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 5,124 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -1.70% | +14.48%Best |
| 1Y Return | -1.07% | +22.28%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.73% | +20.00%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.71% | +8.91%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8%Best | 14.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -19.2%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,650 | $15,323Best |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 22, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 24, 2020 to Sep 11, 2026 (6.4 years).
BKAG vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.4 years both funds cover.
BKAG vs VXUS Performance
BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF (BKAG) is an ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BKAG returned -1.07% while VXUS returned +22.28%. Year to date, BKAG is down 1.70% versus a gain of 14.48% for VXUS.
Over three years, BKAG compounded at +3.73% per year against +20.00% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.71% and +8.91% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +14.27% annualized vs -0.50%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% compared with 5.8% for BKAG. 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 BKAG and -29.4% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BKAG charges 0.00% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $5 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BKAG currently yields 4.30% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1,046 holdings in BKAG and 8,091 in VXUS, totalling 58.8% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 48 days apart, BKAG as of Aug 17, 2026 and VXUS as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1,046 positions we hold weights for in BKAG and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 5,124 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BKAG and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BKAG or VXUS?
BKAG has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VXUS charges 0.05%. BKAG is the cheaper option, by $5 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BKAG or VXUS?
Over the past year BKAG returned -1.07% vs +22.28% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BKAG annualized -0.50% vs +14.27% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BKAG or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 5.8% for BKAG. Worst drawdown: BKAG -19.2% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both BKAG and VXUS?
BKAG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BKAG or VXUS?
BKAG yields 4.30% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so BKAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than BKAG?
BKAG has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.