BST vs VXUS
BST vs VXUS
BlackRock Science and Technology Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BST delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BST | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.73% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +25.01% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.03% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.87% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.26% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 29, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BST vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (BST) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BST returned +37.03% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BST is up 25.01% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BST compounded at +22.87% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.26% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, BST has the edge at +12.39% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -46.6% for BST 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BST charges 1.00% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $5 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BST currently yields 7.73% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BST and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7903 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BST | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6857:JP | 1.95% | 0.29% | 1.66% |
| ORCL | 1.92% | 0.00% | 1.92% |
| SHOP:CA | 1.17% | 0.33% | 0.84% |
| ENR1N:MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ITUB3:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings BST 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, BST or VXUS?
BST has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BST or VXUS?
Over the past year BST returned +37.03% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so BST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BST annualized +12.39% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BST or VXUS?
BST has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BST -46.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BST and VXUS?
BST and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BST and VXUS?
BST and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BST or VXUS?
BST yields 7.73% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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