FDD vs VXUS
First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FDD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $918M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.03% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.76% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.98% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.83% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.12% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FDD vs VXUS Performance
First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) 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 FDD returned +32.98% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FDD is up 19.76% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FDD compounded at +29.83% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.12% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +4.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -46.5% for FDD 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDD charges 0.56% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $5 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDD currently yields 5.03% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FDD and VXUS share 18 holdings out of 7881 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDD or VXUS?
FDD has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDD or VXUS?
Over the past year FDD returned +32.98% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so FDD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FDD annualized +4.31% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDD or VXUS?
FDD has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FDD -46.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FDD and VXUS?
FDD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDD and VXUS?
FDD and VXUS share 18 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7881 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDD or VXUS?
FDD yields 5.03% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FDD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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