EMOT vs VXUS
First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMOT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.16% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.70% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
EMOT vs VXUS Performance
First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF (EMOT) 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 EMOT returned +20.70% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, EMOT is up 16.16% 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 11.3% for EMOT. 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 -16.4% for EMOT 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMOT charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMOT currently yields 1.08% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
EMOT and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7911 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, EMOT or VXUS?
EMOT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMOT or VXUS?
Over the past year EMOT returned +20.70% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), EMOT annualized +17.21% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMOT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.3% for EMOT. Worst drawdown: EMOT -16.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both EMOT and VXUS?
EMOT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMOT and VXUS?
EMOT and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMOT or VXUS?
EMOT yields 1.08% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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