FDLO vs VXUS
FDLO vs VXUS
Fidelity Low Volatility Factor 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDLO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.44% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.97% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.67% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.00% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FDLO vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity Low Volatility Factor ETF (FDLO) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FDLO returned +17.67% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FDLO is up 10.97% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FDLO compounded at +15.00% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.04% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FDLO has the edge at +12.36% 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 13.4% for FDLO. 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 -34.7% for FDLO 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDLO charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDLO currently yields 1.44% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FDLO and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7986 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, FDLO or VXUS?
FDLO has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDLO or VXUS?
Over the past year FDLO returned +17.67% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FDLO annualized +12.36% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDLO or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.4% for FDLO. Worst drawdown: FDLO -34.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FDLO and VXUS?
FDLO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDLO and VXUS?
FDLO and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7986 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDLO or VXUS?
FDLO yields 1.44% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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