BSTZ vs VXUS
BlackRock Science and Technology Term Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BSTZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSTZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.94% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 75 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +41.61% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.17% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +35.52% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.37% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BSTZ vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Science and Technology Term Trust (BSTZ) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSTZ returned +60.17% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, BSTZ is up 41.61% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, BSTZ compounded at +35.52% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.37% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BSTZ has the edge at +15.33% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BSTZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.9% 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 -59.3% for BSTZ 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSTZ charges 1.05% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $5 annually, a gap of $100 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSTZ currently yields 7.94% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BSTZ and VXUS share 10 holdings out of 7914 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSTZ or VXUS?
BSTZ has an expense ratio of 1.05% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $100 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSTZ or VXUS?
Over the past year BSTZ returned +60.17% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so BSTZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BSTZ annualized +15.33% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSTZ or VXUS?
BSTZ has been the more volatile fund at 28.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BSTZ -59.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BSTZ and VXUS?
BSTZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSTZ and VXUS?
BSTZ and VXUS share 10 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7914 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSTZ or VXUS?
BSTZ yields 7.94% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so BSTZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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