EKG vs VXUS
First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EKG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +11.10% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.29% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.51% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EKG vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF (EKG) 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 EKG returned +21.29% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, EKG is up 11.10% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, EKG compounded at +8.51% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +1.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EKG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.2% 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 -43.8% for EKG 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EKG 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, EKG currently yields 0.00% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EKG and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7907 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, EKG or VXUS?
EKG has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EKG or VXUS?
Over the past year EKG returned +21.29% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EKG annualized +1.38% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EKG or VXUS?
EKG has been the more volatile fund at 26.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EKG -43.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EKG and VXUS?
EKG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EKG and VXUS?
EKG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7907 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EKG or VXUS?
EKG yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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