AFMC vs VXUS
First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AFMC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFMC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $205M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 266 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +18.48% | +13.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.27% | +24.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.15% | +20.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.65% | +9.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AFMC vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF (AFMC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFMC returned +26.27% while VXUS returned +24.30%. Year to date, AFMC is up 18.48% versus a gain of 13.56% for VXUS.
Over three years, AFMC compounded at +20.15% per year against +20.24% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.65% and +9.37% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFMC has the edge at +12.32% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFMC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -42.1% for AFMC 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFMC charges 0.68% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $5 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFMC currently yields 0.70% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
AFMC and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8128 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, AFMC or VXUS?
AFMC has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFMC or VXUS?
Over the past year AFMC returned +26.27% vs +24.30% for VXUS, so AFMC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFMC annualized +12.32% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFMC or VXUS?
AFMC has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AFMC -42.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AFMC and VXUS?
AFMC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFMC and VXUS?
AFMC and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFMC or VXUS?
AFMC yields 0.70% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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