BOAT vs VXUS
SonicShares Global Shipping ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BOAT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BOAT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $86M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.35% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +52.77% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.27% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.25% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.52% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Lucania Investments LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 3, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BOAT vs VXUS Performance
SonicShares Global Shipping ETF (BOAT) is a ETF from Lucania Investments LLC and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BOAT returned +62.27% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, BOAT is up 52.77% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, BOAT compounded at +29.25% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +24.52% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, BOAT has the edge at +26.30% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BOAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.1% 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 -33.9% for BOAT 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOAT charges 0.69% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $5 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOAT currently yields 6.35% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BOAT and VXUS share 17 holdings out of 7904 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BOAT or VXUS?
BOAT has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOAT or VXUS?
Over the past year BOAT returned +62.27% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so BOAT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BOAT annualized +26.30% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOAT or VXUS?
BOAT has been the more volatile fund at 27.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BOAT -33.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BOAT and VXUS?
BOAT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BOAT and VXUS?
BOAT and VXUS share 17 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7904 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOAT or VXUS?
BOAT yields 6.35% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so BOAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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