FDT vs VXUS
First Trust Developed Markets Ex-US AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FDT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.88% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 312 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.22% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.44% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.26% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.44% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FDT vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Developed Markets Ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) 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 FDT returned +34.44% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FDT is up 20.22% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FDT compounded at +27.26% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.44% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FDT has the edge at +5.64% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -48.6% for FDT 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDT charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDT currently yields 2.88% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FDT and VXUS share 204 holdings out of 7960 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDT or VXUS?
FDT has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDT or VXUS?
Over the past year FDT returned +34.44% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so FDT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FDT annualized +5.64% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDT or VXUS?
FDT has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FDT -48.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FDT and VXUS?
FDT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 FDT and VXUS?
FDT and VXUS share 204 common holdings with a 9.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7960 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDT or VXUS?
FDT yields 2.88% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FDT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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