AFGR vs VXUS
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, AFGR or VXUS?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AFGR led over 3Y, VXUS over 1Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFGR | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $92M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 74 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +5.24% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +2.92% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.62%Best | +19.58% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.58% | +9.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 14.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -29.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,119 | $15,485Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 22, 2020 to Sep 17, 2026 (6.2 years).
AFGR vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.2 years both funds cover.
AFGR vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFGR returned +2.92% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, AFGR is up 5.24% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, AFGR compounded at +20.62% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.58% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +11.54% annualized vs +10.66%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 14.9% 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 -46.0% for AFGR and -29.4% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.68. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFGR charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFGR currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 73 holdings in AFGR and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 98.8% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 73 positions we hold weights for in AFGR and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 74 and 8,747.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 73 and 8,082 positions we hold weights for.
VXUS holds 35 positions AFGR does not, 2.3% of the fund.
Largest: MKL 0.76%, SHEL 0.57%, VWO 0.11%, JD 0.09%, ALC 0.08%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AFGR and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFGR or VXUS?
AFGR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $60 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AFGR or VXUS?
Over the past year AFGR returned +2.92% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), AFGR annualized +10.66% vs +11.54% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AFGR or VXUS?
AFGR has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 14.9% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AFGR -46.0% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both AFGR and VXUS?
AFGR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFGR or VXUS?
AFGR yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than AFGR?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AFGR led over 3Y, VXUS over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.