CARZ vs VXUS
First Trust S-Network Future Vehicles & Technology ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. CARZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CARZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $49M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.33% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +31.98% | +14.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.48% | +25.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.74% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.81% | +9.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 9, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
CARZ vs VXUS Performance
First Trust S-Network Future Vehicles & Technology ETF (CARZ) 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 CARZ returned +62.48% while VXUS returned +25.40%. Year to date, CARZ is up 31.98% versus a gain of 14.26% for VXUS.
Over three years, CARZ compounded at +27.74% per year against +20.47% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +14.81% and +9.76% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, CARZ has the edge at +10.32% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CARZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.2% 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 -51.2% for CARZ 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CARZ charges 0.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $5 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CARZ currently yields 1.33% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
CARZ and VXUS share 24 holdings out of 7944 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CARZ or VXUS?
CARZ has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CARZ or VXUS?
Over the past year CARZ returned +62.48% vs +25.40% for VXUS, so CARZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), CARZ annualized +10.32% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CARZ or VXUS?
CARZ has been the more volatile fund at 24.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: CARZ -51.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both CARZ and VXUS?
CARZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CARZ and VXUS?
CARZ and VXUS share 24 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7944 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CARZ or VXUS?
CARZ yields 1.33% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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