VBIL 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

MetricVBILVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.05%
AUM$9.4B$156.5B
Dividend Yield3.65%2.60%
Holdings288,747
YTD Return+1.84%+14.57%
1Y Return+3.52%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)0.7%15.1%
Max Drawdown-0.3%-39.9%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionFeb 7, 2025Jan 26, 2011

VBIL vs VXUS Performance

Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBIL returned +3.52% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, VBIL is up 1.84% 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 0.7% for VBIL. 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 -0.3% for VBIL 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VBIL charges 0.06% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBIL currently yields 3.65% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VBIL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 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, VBIL or VXUS?

VBIL has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VBIL or VXUS?

Over the past year VBIL returned +3.52% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VBIL annualized +4.61% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VBIL or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.7% for VBIL. Worst drawdown: VBIL -0.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both VBIL and VXUS?

VBIL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VBIL and VXUS?

VBIL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VBIL or VXUS?

VBIL yields 3.65% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VBIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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