EKG vs VXUS
First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, EKG or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EKG | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $4M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 78 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +15.53% | +16.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +25.73% | +27.58%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.16% | +20.48%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.09% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.4% | 15.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -43.8% | -24.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.5 years | $11,058 | $17,099Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 23, 2022 to Sep 4, 2026 (4.5 years).
EKG vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4.5 years both funds cover.
EKG vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF (EKG) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EKG returned +25.73% while VXUS returned +27.58%. Year to date, EKG is up 15.53% versus a gain of 16.15% for VXUS.
Over three years, EKG compounded at +11.16% per year against +20.48% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EKG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.4% compared with 15.4% 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 -24.1% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.64. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
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
We hold position weights for 38 holdings in EKG and 8,094 in VXUS, totalling 99.9% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 38 positions we hold weights for in EKG and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 78 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of EKG and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $60 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, EKG or VXUS?
Over the past year EKG returned +25.73% vs +27.58% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, EKG or VXUS?
EKG has been the more volatile fund at 26.4% annualized versus 15.4% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: EKG -43.8% vs VXUS -24.1%.
Should I hold both EKG and VXUS?
EKG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
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.
Is VXUS better than EKG?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.