FDEV vs VXUS
Fidelity International Multifactor 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 | FDEV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $283M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 212 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.78% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.91% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.60% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.36% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FDEV vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity International Multifactor ETF (FDEV) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FDEV returned +15.91% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FDEV is up 8.78% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FDEV compounded at +16.60% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +7.36% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, FDEV has the edge at +8.41% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 13.9% for FDEV. 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 -30.1% for FDEV 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDEV charges 0.18% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $5 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDEV currently yields 2.94% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FDEV and VXUS share 151 holdings out of 7918 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDEV or VXUS?
FDEV has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDEV or VXUS?
Over the past year FDEV returned +15.91% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FDEV annualized +8.41% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDEV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.9% for FDEV. Worst drawdown: FDEV -30.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FDEV and VXUS?
FDEV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FDEV and VXUS?
FDEV and VXUS share 151 common holdings with a 11.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7918 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDEV or VXUS?
FDEV yields 2.94% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FDEV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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