FDEC vs VXUS
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDEC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.71% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.23% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.23% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.67% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FDEC vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December (FDEC) 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 FDEC returned +17.23% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FDEC is up 8.71% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FDEC compounded at +15.23% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.67% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FDEC has the edge at +11.44% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 10.2% for FDEC. 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 -15.7% for FDEC 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDEC 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, FDEC currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FDEC and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, FDEC or VXUS?
FDEC 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, FDEC or VXUS?
Over the past year FDEC returned +17.23% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FDEC annualized +11.44% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDEC or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.2% for FDEC. Worst drawdown: FDEC -15.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FDEC and VXUS?
FDEC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDEC and VXUS?
FDEC and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDEC or VXUS?
FDEC yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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