FCFY vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFCFYVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.60%0.05%
AUM$1M$156.5B
Dividend Yield1.42%2.60%
Holdings1028,747
YTD Return+8.88%+14.57%
1Y Return+21.58%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.53%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)15.2%15.1%
Max Drawdown-21.4%-39.9%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionAug 23, 2023Jan 26, 2011

FCFY vs VXUS Performance

First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Free Cash Flow ETF (FCFY) 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 FCFY returned +21.58% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FCFY is up 8.88% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, FCFY compounded at +16.53% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, FCFY has the edge at +16.53% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

FCFY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -21.4% for FCFY 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FCFY 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, FCFY currently yields 1.42% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

FCFY and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7960 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, FCFY or VXUS?

FCFY 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, FCFY or VXUS?

Over the past year FCFY returned +21.58% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FCFY annualized +16.53% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FCFY or VXUS?

FCFY has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FCFY -21.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both FCFY and VXUS?

FCFY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FCFY and VXUS?

FCFY and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7960 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FCFY or VXUS?

FCFY yields 1.42% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

X-ray your whole portfolio
$99/yr7-day refund. ETFs, mutual funds, 401(k)s.
Get Pro →