FLOT vs VXUS
FLOT vs VXUS
iShares Floating Rate 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 | FLOT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $10.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.53% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 551 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.14% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.66% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.52% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.76% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 14, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLOT vs VXUS Performance
iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (FLOT) 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 FLOT returned +1.66% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FLOT is up 0.14% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLOT compounded at +4.52% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.76% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.12%. 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 1.7% for FLOT. 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 -13.5% for FLOT 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLOT charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLOT currently yields 4.53% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLOT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8235 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLOT or VXUS?
FLOT has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLOT or VXUS?
Over the past year FLOT returned +1.66% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FLOT annualized +2.12% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLOT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.7% for FLOT. Worst drawdown: FLOT -13.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLOT and VXUS?
FLOT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLOT and VXUS?
FLOT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8235 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLOT or VXUS?
FLOT yields 4.53% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FLOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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