FDLS vs VXUS
Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FDLS or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FDLS led over 1Y, VXUS over 3Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDLS | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $250M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.80% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 102 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +21.46%Best | +16.15% |
| 1Y Return | +27.98%Best | +27.58% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.81% | +20.48%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.09% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 14.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -13.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 4 years | $18,977Tie | $18,977Tie |
| Fund Family | Inspire ETFs | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 24, 2022 to Sep 4, 2026 (4 years).
FDLS vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4 years both funds cover.
FDLS vs VXUS Performance
Inspire Fidelis Multi Factor ETF (FDLS) is an ETF from Inspire ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FDLS returned +27.98% while VXUS returned +27.58%. Year to date, FDLS is up 21.46% versus a gain of 16.15% for VXUS.
Over three years, FDLS compounded at +19.81% per year against +20.48% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, FDLS has the edge at +17.37% annualized vs +17.37%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDLS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 14.7% 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 -23.3% for FDLS and -13.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.69. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDLS charges 0.66% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $5 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDLS currently yields 0.80% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 3.1% of FDLS's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 87.7% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
FDLS and VXUS share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 48 days apart, FDLS as of Aug 17, 2026 and VXUS as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
3 positions in common, counted across the 101 positions we hold weights for in FDLS and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 102 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FDLS and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDLS or VXUS?
FDLS has an expense ratio of 0.66% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $61 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FDLS or VXUS?
Over the past year FDLS returned +27.98% vs +27.58% for VXUS, so FDLS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FDLS annualized +17.37% vs +17.37% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FDLS or VXUS?
FDLS has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 14.7% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FDLS -23.3% vs VXUS -13.9%.
Should I hold both FDLS and VXUS?
FDLS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FDLS and VXUS?
At least 3.1% of FDLS's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 3 positions in common, counted across the 101 positions we hold weights for in FDLS and 8,094 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDLS or VXUS?
FDLS yields 0.80% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FDLS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FDLS led over 1Y, VXUS over 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.