HBDC vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHBDCVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.39%0.05%
AUM$85M$156.5B
Dividend Yield5.37%2.60%
Holdings2598,747
YTD Return+1.30%+14.57%
1Y Return+3.49%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)2.1%15.1%
Max Drawdown-3.0%-39.9%
Fund FamilyHilton Capital ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJun 10, 2025Jan 26, 2011

HBDC vs VXUS Performance

Hilton BDC Corporate Bond ETF (HBDC) is a ETF from Hilton Capital Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HBDC returned +3.49% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, HBDC is up 1.30% 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 2.1% for HBDC. 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 -3.0% for HBDC 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HBDC charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HBDC currently yields 5.37% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HBDC and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7967 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, HBDC or VXUS?

HBDC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HBDC or VXUS?

Over the past year HBDC returned +3.49% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HBDC annualized +3.38% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HBDC or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.1% for HBDC. Worst drawdown: HBDC -3.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both HBDC and VXUS?

HBDC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HBDC and VXUS?

HBDC and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7967 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HBDC or VXUS?

HBDC yields 5.37% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so HBDC currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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