BYLD vs VXUS
iShares Yield Optimized Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. BYLD offers more diversification with 14906 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BYLD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $448M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.34% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.75% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.74% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.10% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.97% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 22, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
BYLD vs VXUS Performance
iShares Yield Optimized Bond ETF (BYLD) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BYLD returned +3.74% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, BYLD is up 0.75% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, BYLD compounded at +6.10% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.97% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.97%. 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 4.6% for BYLD. 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 -15.9% for BYLD 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BYLD charges 0.13% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $13 vs $5 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BYLD currently yields 5.34% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
BYLD and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 22762 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 BYLD | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARGENT 4.125 07/09/3 | 0.11% | 0.00% | 0.11% |
| NST:AU | 0.00% | 0.07% | 0.07% |
| ARGENT 5 01/09/38 | 0.06% | 0.00% | 0.06% |
| ARGENT 3.5 07/09/41 | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LOGG3:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BYLD or VXUS?
BYLD has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BYLD or VXUS?
Over the past year BYLD returned +3.74% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BYLD annualized +0.97% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BYLD or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 4.6% for BYLD. Worst drawdown: BYLD -15.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both BYLD and VXUS?
BYLD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BYLD and VXUS?
BYLD and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 22762 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BYLD or VXUS?
BYLD yields 5.34% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so BYLD 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.