BUSA vs VXUS
BUSA vs VXUS
Brandes US Value ETF 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 | BUSA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $311M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.55% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.09% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Brandes Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BUSA vs VXUS Performance
Brandes US Value ETF (BUSA) is a ETF from Brandes Investment Partners and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUSA returned +26.09% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BUSA is up 12.55% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.2% for BUSA. 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 -14.2% for BUSA 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUSA 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, BUSA currently yields 1.46% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BUSA and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7924 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 BUSA | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAE:CA | 0.59% | 0.02% | 0.57% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUSA or VXUS?
BUSA 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, BUSA or VXUS?
Over the past year BUSA returned +26.09% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BUSA annualized +19.43% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUSA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.2% for BUSA. Worst drawdown: BUSA -14.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BUSA and VXUS?
BUSA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUSA and VXUS?
BUSA and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7924 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUSA or VXUS?
BUSA yields 1.46% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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