FCG vs VXUS
FCG vs VXUS
First Trust Natural Gas ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FCG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FCG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $611M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.28% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.99% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.55% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.25% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FCG vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) 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 FCG returned +27.99% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FCG is up 20.28% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FCG compounded at +5.55% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +19.25% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -5.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.9% 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 -97.6% for FCG 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCG charges 0.57% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $5 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCG currently yields 2.24% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FCG and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 7901 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, FCG or VXUS?
FCG has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FCG or VXUS?
Over the past year FCG returned +27.99% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so FCG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FCG annualized -5.54% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCG or VXUS?
FCG has been the more volatile fund at 40.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FCG -97.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FCG and VXUS?
FCG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCG and VXUS?
FCG and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCG or VXUS?
FCG yields 2.24% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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