BTAL vs VXUS
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BTAL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $294M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.92% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 402 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -14.38% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | -24.57% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -11.26% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.13% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | AGFiQ | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BTAL vs VXUS Performance
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL) is a ETF from AGFiQ and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTAL returned -24.57% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, BTAL is down 14.38% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, BTAL compounded at -11.26% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -4.13% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.90% annualized vs -3.69%. 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 14.9% for BTAL. 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 worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BTAL and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8262 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, BTAL or VXUS?
BTAL has an expense ratio of 1.40% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $135 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BTAL or VXUS?
Over the past year BTAL returned -24.57% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BTAL annualized -3.69% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BTAL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.9% for BTAL. 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BTAL and VXUS?
BTAL and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8262 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTAL or VXUS?
BTAL yields 2.92% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so BTAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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