BSMC vs VXUS
Brandes US Small-Mid Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BSMC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSMC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.71% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $172M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.93% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.89% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.40% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Brandes Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BSMC vs VXUS Performance
Brandes US Small-Mid Cap Value ETF (BSMC) is a ETF from Brandes Investment Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSMC returned +30.40% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BSMC is up 16.89% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 13.3% for BSMC. 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 -19.1% for BSMC 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSMC charges 0.71% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $71 vs $5 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSMC currently yields 0.93% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BSMC and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 7925 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, BSMC or VXUS?
BSMC has an expense ratio of 0.71% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSMC or VXUS?
Over the past year BSMC returned +30.40% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so BSMC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BSMC annualized +18.60% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSMC or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.3% for BSMC. Worst drawdown: BSMC -19.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BSMC and VXUS?
BSMC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSMC and VXUS?
BSMC and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7925 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSMC or VXUS?
BSMC yields 0.93% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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