FDTS vs VXUS
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FDTS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDTS | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $14M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.87% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 412 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +21.82% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.51% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.28% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.99% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 15, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FDTS vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) 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 FDTS returned +37.51% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FDTS is up 21.82% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FDTS compounded at +26.28% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.99% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FDTS has the edge at +7.29% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDTS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -53.2% for FDTS 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDTS 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, FDTS currently yields 2.87% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FDTS and VXUS share 258 holdings out of 8010 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDTS or VXUS?
FDTS 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, FDTS or VXUS?
Over the past year FDTS returned +37.51% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so FDTS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FDTS annualized +7.29% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDTS or VXUS?
FDTS has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FDTS -53.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FDTS and VXUS?
FDTS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDTS and VXUS?
FDTS and VXUS share 258 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8010 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDTS or VXUS?
FDTS yields 2.87% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FDTS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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