FCA vs VXUS
First Trust China 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 | FCA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $32M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -6.10% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.90% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.32% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.41% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FCA vs VXUS Performance
First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund (FCA) 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 FCA returned +3.90% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FCA is down 6.10% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FCA compounded at +16.32% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.41% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +0.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.2% 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 -47.6% for FCA 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCA 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, FCA currently yields 2.86% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FCA and VXUS share 34 holdings out of 7885 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCA or VXUS?
FCA 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, FCA or VXUS?
Over the past year FCA returned +3.90% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FCA annualized +0.88% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCA or VXUS?
FCA has been the more volatile fund at 25.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FCA -47.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FCA and VXUS?
FCA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCA and VXUS?
FCA and VXUS share 34 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7885 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCA or VXUS?
FCA yields 2.86% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FCA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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