FCEF vs VXUS
First Trust Income Opportunities ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FCEF or VXUS?
Debt-oriented balanced against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y 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 | FCEF | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.69% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $83M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.88% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 122 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +9.31% | +16.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +12.89% | +27.58%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.57% | +20.48%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.33% | +9.09%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6%Best | 14.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -45.1% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,965 | $15,450Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity |
| Style | Debt-oriented balanced | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 29, 2016 to Sep 4, 2026 (9.9 years).
FCEF 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 9.9 years both funds cover.
FCEF vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Income Opportunities ETF (FCEF) 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 FCEF returned +12.89% while VXUS returned +27.58%. Year to date, FCEF is up 9.31% versus a gain of 16.15% for VXUS.
Over three years, FCEF compounded at +15.57% per year against +20.48% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.33% and +9.09% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +8.39% annualized vs +5.74%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% compared with 14.6% for FCEF. 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 -45.1% for FCEF and -39.9% 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCEF charges 3.69% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $369 vs $5 annually, a gap of $364 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCEF currently yields 6.88% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 60 holdings in FCEF and 8,094 in VXUS, totalling 94.4% 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 60 positions we hold weights for in FCEF and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 122 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FCEF 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, FCEF or VXUS?
FCEF has an expense ratio of 3.69% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $364 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FCEF or VXUS?
Over the past year FCEF returned +12.89% vs +27.58% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FCEF annualized +5.74% vs +8.39% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FCEF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.6% for FCEF. Worst drawdown: FCEF -45.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FCEF and VXUS?
FCEF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, 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, FCEF or VXUS?
FCEF yields 6.88% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FCEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FCEF?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.