APXM vs VXUS
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - April 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 | APXM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $17M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.90% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.96% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 17, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
APXM vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - April (APXM) 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 APXM returned +4.96% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, APXM is up 2.90% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 0.8% for APXM. 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 -0.6% for APXM 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
APXM charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APXM currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
APXM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, APXM or VXUS?
APXM has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, APXM or VXUS?
Over the past year APXM returned +4.96% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), APXM annualized +6.46% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, APXM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.8% for APXM. Worst drawdown: APXM -0.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both APXM and VXUS?
APXM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between APXM and VXUS?
APXM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, APXM or VXUS?
APXM yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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