BUL vs VXUS
BUL vs VXUS
Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BUL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $132M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.32% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.84% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.72% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.47% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 2, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BUL vs VXUS Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF (BUL) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUL returned +27.84% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BUL is up 16.32% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BUL compounded at +21.72% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.47% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BUL has the edge at +14.58% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BUL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -37.3% for BUL 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUL charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUL currently yields 0.22% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BUL and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7911 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BUL | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM | 1.36% | 0.02% | 1.34% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUL or VXUS?
BUL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUL or VXUS?
Over the past year BUL returned +27.84% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so BUL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BUL annualized +14.58% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUL or VXUS?
BUL has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BUL -37.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BUL and VXUS?
BUL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUL and VXUS?
BUL and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUL or VXUS?
BUL yields 0.22% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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