AUGM vs VXUS
AUGM vs VXUS
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - August 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 | AUGM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $32M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.81% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.25% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 16, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
AUGM vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - August (AUGM) 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 AUGM returned +6.25% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, AUGM is up 3.81% 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 2.8% for AUGM. 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 -4.3% for AUGM 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AUGM 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, AUGM currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AUGM or VXUS?
AUGM 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, AUGM or VXUS?
Over the past year AUGM returned +6.25% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AUGM annualized +6.52% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AUGM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.8% for AUGM. Worst drawdown: AUGM -4.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AUGM and VXUS?
AUGM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, AUGM or VXUS?
AUGM yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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