BUI vs VXUS
BlackRock Utility Infrastructure & Power Opportunities 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $732M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.56% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.81% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.13% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.70% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.13% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BUI vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock Utility Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust (BUI) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUI returned +11.13% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BUI is up 7.81% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BUI compounded at +15.70% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.13% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +4.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BUI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -48.3% for BUI 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUI charges 1.07% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $5 annually, a gap of $102 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUI currently yields 9.56% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BUI and VXUS share 17 holdings out of 7896 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUI or VXUS?
BUI has an expense ratio of 1.07% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $102 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUI or VXUS?
Over the past year BUI returned +11.13% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BUI annualized +4.78% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUI or VXUS?
BUI has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BUI -48.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BUI and VXUS?
BUI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUI and VXUS?
BUI and VXUS share 17 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7896 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUI or VXUS?
BUI yields 9.56% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BUI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.