BLW vs VXUS
BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BLW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 4.48% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $520M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.33% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 2,073 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.66% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.35% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.42% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.96% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 31, 2003 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BLW vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Limited Duration Income Trust (BLW) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BLW returned +1.35% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, BLW is up 0.66% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, BLW compounded at +9.42% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.96% 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
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.1% for BLW. 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 -53.5% for BLW 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BLW charges 4.48% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $448 vs $5 annually, a gap of $443 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BLW currently yields 10.33% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BLW and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8866 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, BLW or VXUS?
BLW has an expense ratio of 4.48% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $443 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLW or VXUS?
Over the past year BLW returned +1.35% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BLW annualized +0.27% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLW or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.1% for BLW. Worst drawdown: BLW -53.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BLW and VXUS?
BLW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BLW and VXUS?
BLW and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8866 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLW or VXUS?
BLW yields 10.33% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so BLW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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