FBZ vs VXUS
First Trust Brazil AlphaDEX Fund 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 | FBZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $7M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.73% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +27.43% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.54% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.84% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 79.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FBZ vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Brazil AlphaDEX Fund (FBZ) 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 FBZ returned +6.54% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FBZ is up 27.43% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FBZ compounded at +13.18% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.84% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs -0.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FBZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 79.6% 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 -87.5% for FBZ 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FBZ charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FBZ currently yields 3.73% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FBZ or VXUS?
FBZ has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FBZ or VXUS?
Over the past year FBZ returned +6.54% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), FBZ annualized -0.89% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FBZ or VXUS?
FBZ has been the more volatile fund at 79.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FBZ -87.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FBZ and VXUS?
FBZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FBZ or VXUS?
FBZ yields 3.73% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FBZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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