BRLN vs VXUS
BRLN vs VXUS
iShares Floating Rate Loan Active 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 | BRLN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $54M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.36% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 421 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -2.13% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.50% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.13% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BRLN vs VXUS Performance
iShares Floating Rate Loan Active ETF (BRLN) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BRLN returned -0.50% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BRLN is down 2.13% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BRLN compounded at +5.13% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, BRLN has the edge at +6.42% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 2.8% for BRLN. 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 -3.9% for BRLN 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRLN 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, BRLN currently yields 6.36% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BRLN and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8011 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, BRLN or VXUS?
BRLN 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, BRLN or VXUS?
Over the past year BRLN returned -0.50% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BRLN annualized +6.42% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRLN or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.8% for BRLN. Worst drawdown: BRLN -3.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BRLN and VXUS?
BRLN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRLN and VXUS?
BRLN and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8011 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRLN or VXUS?
BRLN yields 6.36% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BRLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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