BULD vs VXUS
Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. BULD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BULD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $15M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +42.16% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.46% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.04% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 4, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BULD vs VXUS Performance
Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF (BULD) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BULD returned +60.46% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, BULD is up 42.16% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, BULD compounded at +24.04% per year against +19.85% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, BULD has the edge at +16.67% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BULD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.6% 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 -27.6% for BULD 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BULD charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BULD currently yields 0.79% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BULD and VXUS share 29 holdings out of 7894 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BULD or VXUS?
BULD has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BULD or VXUS?
Over the past year BULD returned +60.46% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so BULD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BULD annualized +16.67% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BULD or VXUS?
BULD has been the more volatile fund at 27.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: BULD -27.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BULD and VXUS?
BULD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BULD and VXUS?
BULD and VXUS share 29 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7894 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BULD or VXUS?
BULD yields 0.79% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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