BWX vs VXUS
State Street SPDR Bloomberg International Treasury Bond 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 | BWX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.39% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,406 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.04% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.55% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.37% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.15% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 2, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BWX vs VXUS Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg International Treasury Bond ETF (BWX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BWX returned -2.55% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BWX is down 1.04% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BWX compounded at +1.37% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -4.15% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.41%. 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 9.0% for BWX. 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 -34.9% for BWX 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BWX charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BWX currently yields 2.39% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BWX and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7864 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 BWX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BWX or VXUS?
BWX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BWX or VXUS?
Over the past year BWX returned -2.55% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BWX annualized -0.41% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BWX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.0% for BWX. Worst drawdown: BWX -34.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BWX and VXUS?
BWX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BWX and VXUS?
BWX and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BWX or VXUS?
BWX yields 2.39% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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