FBDC vs VXUS
FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income 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 | FBDC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 13.69% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $36M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 13.39% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 22 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -1.70% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -6.21% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FBDC vs VXUS Performance
FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC) 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 FBDC returned -6.21% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FBDC is down 1.70% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FBDC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -20.6% for FBDC 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 -0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FBDC charges 13.69% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $1369 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1364 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FBDC currently yields 13.39% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FBDC and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7889 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, FBDC or VXUS?
FBDC has an expense ratio of 13.69% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1364 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FBDC or VXUS?
Over the past year FBDC returned -6.21% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FBDC annualized -3.22% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FBDC or VXUS?
FBDC has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FBDC -20.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FBDC and VXUS?
FBDC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FBDC and VXUS?
FBDC and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7889 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FBDC or VXUS?
FBDC yields 13.39% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FBDC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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