ECAT vs VXUS
BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ECAT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.43% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 22.11% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 1,008 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.95% | +14.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.48% | +25.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.43% | +19.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.54% | +9.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
ECAT vs VXUS Performance
BlackRock ESG Capital Allocation Term Trust (ECAT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ECAT returned +14.48% while VXUS returned +25.63%. Year to date, ECAT is up 13.95% versus a gain of 14.98% for VXUS.
Over three years, ECAT compounded at +20.43% per year against +19.65% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.54% and +9.30% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ECAT has the edge at +9.54% annualized vs +4.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -32.2% for ECAT 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECAT charges 1.43% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $143 vs $5 annually, a gap of $138 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECAT currently yields 22.11% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
ECAT and VXUS share 22 holdings out of 8397 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECAT or VXUS?
ECAT has an expense ratio of 1.43% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $138 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECAT or VXUS?
Over the past year ECAT returned +14.48% vs +25.63% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ECAT annualized +9.54% vs +4.87% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECAT or VXUS?
ECAT has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: ECAT -32.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both ECAT and VXUS?
ECAT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECAT and VXUS?
ECAT and VXUS share 22 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8397 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECAT or VXUS?
ECAT yields 22.11% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so ECAT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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