BTEC vs VXUS
Principal Healthcare Innovators ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, BTEC or VXUS?
Mid Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BTEC led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y.
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 | BTEC | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $16M | $164.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 268 | 8,844 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.4% | 15.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 8.3 years | $15,756Best | $14,421 |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 690 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. BTEC has data through Nov 22, 2024 and VXUS through Oct 13, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 8.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 22, 2016 to Nov 22, 2024 (8.3 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BTEC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.4% compared with 15.4% 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 -62.9% for BTEC 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 0.57. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BTEC charges 0.42% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $5 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTEC currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BTEC 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, BTEC or VXUS?
BTEC has an expense ratio of 0.42% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $37 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, BTEC or VXUS?
BTEC has been the more volatile fund at 27.4% annualized versus 15.4% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BTEC -62.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BTEC and VXUS?
BTEC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTEC or VXUS?
BTEC yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than BTEC?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BTEC led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.