BMEZ vs VXUS
BMEZ vs VXUS
BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BMEZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BMEZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.61% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 171 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.98% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.15% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.28% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.09% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 29, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BMEZ vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust (BMEZ) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BMEZ returned +28.15% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BMEZ is up 11.98% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BMEZ compounded at +11.28% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -2.09% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BMEZ has the edge at +5.08% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BMEZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -46.0% for BMEZ 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BMEZ charges 1.30% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $5 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BMEZ currently yields 8.61% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BMEZ and VXUS share 12 holdings out of 7989 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BMEZ | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROG:SM | 2.60% | 0.75% | 1.85% |
| NOVN:SM | 1.35% | 0.73% | 0.62% |
| AZN:LN | 1.00% | 0.71% | 0.29% |
| LONN:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UCB:BR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ARGX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 4523:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| QGEN:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GALD:SM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2256:HK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings BMEZ shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BMEZ or VXUS?
BMEZ has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $125 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BMEZ or VXUS?
Over the past year BMEZ returned +28.15% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so BMEZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BMEZ annualized +5.08% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BMEZ or VXUS?
BMEZ has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BMEZ -46.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BMEZ and VXUS?
BMEZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BMEZ and VXUS?
BMEZ and VXUS share 12 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7989 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BMEZ or VXUS?
BMEZ yields 8.61% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BMEZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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