BTT vs VXUS
BlackRock Municipal 2030 Target Term Trust 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 | BTT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.34% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.28% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 557 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.84% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.26% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.11% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.16% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 29, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BTT vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Municipal 2030 Target Term Trust (BTT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTT returned +4.26% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, BTT is up 0.84% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, BTT compounded at +6.11% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.16% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +0.43%. 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 10.2% for BTT. 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 -35.0% for BTT 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BTT charges 1.34% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $134 vs $5 annually, a gap of $129 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTT currently yields 2.28% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BTT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7994 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, BTT or VXUS?
BTT has an expense ratio of 1.34% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $129 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BTT or VXUS?
Over the past year BTT returned +4.26% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), BTT annualized +0.43% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BTT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.2% for BTT. Worst drawdown: BTT -35.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BTT and VXUS?
BTT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BTT and VXUS?
BTT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7994 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTT or VXUS?
BTT yields 2.28% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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