BMED vs VXUS
iShares Health Innovation Active ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BMED delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BMED | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $11M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.27% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.23% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.57% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.71% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.07% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 29, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BMED vs VXUS Performance
iShares Health Innovation Active ETF (BMED) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BMED returned +29.57% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, BMED is up 7.23% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, BMED compounded at +10.71% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.07% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.88% annualized vs +4.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BMED has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -36.4% for BMED 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BMED charges 0.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $5 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BMED currently yields 0.27% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BMED and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 7905 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BMED or VXUS?
BMED has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BMED or VXUS?
Over the past year BMED returned +29.57% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so BMED leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BMED annualized +4.24% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BMED or VXUS?
BMED has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BMED -36.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BMED and VXUS?
BMED and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BMED and VXUS?
BMED and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7905 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BMED or VXUS?
BMED yields 0.27% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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