BLES vs VXUS
Inspire Global Hope 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 | BLES | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $159M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.84% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 817 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.45% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.72% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.87% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.44% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Inspire ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BLES vs VXUS Performance
Inspire Global Hope ETF (BLES) is a ETF from Inspire ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BLES returned +23.72% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BLES is up 15.45% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BLES compounded at +15.87% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.44% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BLES has the edge at +9.53% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BLES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -40.4% for BLES 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BLES charges 0.58% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $5 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BLES currently yields 1.84% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BLES and VXUS share 135 holdings out of 8125 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BLES or VXUS?
BLES has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLES or VXUS?
Over the past year BLES returned +23.72% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BLES annualized +9.53% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLES or VXUS?
BLES has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BLES -40.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BLES and VXUS?
BLES and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BLES and VXUS?
BLES and VXUS share 135 common holdings with a 8.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLES or VXUS?
BLES yields 1.84% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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