FCTE vs VXUS
SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend ETF 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 | FCTE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $246M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.08% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.19% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.87% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | 3FourteenSMI | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 2, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FCTE vs VXUS Performance
SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend ETF (FCTE) is a ETF from 3FourteenSMI and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FCTE returned +16.87% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, FCTE is up 21.19% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCTE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -19.7% for FCTE 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCTE charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCTE currently yields 0.08% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FCTE and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7889 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, FCTE or VXUS?
FCTE has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FCTE or VXUS?
Over the past year FCTE returned +16.87% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FCTE annualized +10.80% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCTE or VXUS?
FCTE has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FCTE -19.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FCTE and VXUS?
FCTE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCTE and VXUS?
FCTE and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7889 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCTE or VXUS?
FCTE yields 0.08% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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