BTAL vs VXUS
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, BTAL or VXUS?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.59, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BTAL | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $306M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.92% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 402 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -11.81% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | -19.71% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -10.42% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.77% | +9.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 14.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $8,252 | $15,485Best |
| Fund Family | AGFiQ | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 13, 2011 to Sep 17, 2026 (15 years).
BTAL vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15 years both funds cover.
BTAL vs VXUS Performance
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL) is an ETF from AGFiQ and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTAL returned -19.71% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, BTAL is down 11.81% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, BTAL compounded at -10.42% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -3.77% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +5.99% annualized vs -3.48%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BTAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% compared with 14.7% 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 -52.7% for BTAL and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.59. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BTAL charges 1.40% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $5 annually, a gap of $135 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTAL currently yields 2.92% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 400 holdings in BTAL and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 79.8% and 88.8% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 7 positions appear in both.
7 positions in common, counted across the 400 positions we hold weights for in BTAL and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 402 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BTAL | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBA:CARb Global, Inc | 0.39% | 0.05% | 0.34% |
| KRKroger Co. | 0.40% | 0.00% | 0.40% |
| LH:THLand & Houses Pub Co-For Reg | 0.38% | 0.00% | 0.38% |
| ANGJ:ZAAnglogold Ashanti Plc | -0.34% | 0.08% | 0.42% |
| CAR:AUCarsales.com Ltd | -0.36% | 0.01% | 0.37% |
| 300253:SHWingstop Inc. | -0.36% | 0.00% | 0.36% |
| HALHalliburton Co. | -0.41% | 0.02% | 0.43% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BTAL and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BTAL or VXUS?
BTAL has an expense ratio of 1.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $135 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BTAL or VXUS?
Over the past year BTAL returned -19.71% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BTAL annualized -3.48% vs +5.99% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BTAL or VXUS?
BTAL has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 14.7% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BTAL -52.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BTAL and VXUS?
BTAL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.59, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTAL or VXUS?
BTAL yields 2.92% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so BTAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than BTAL?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.59, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.