FDWM vs VXUS
Fidelity Womens Leadership ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FDWM or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FDWM led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y.
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 | FDWM | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $5M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 82 | 8,747 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -29.1%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 4.4 years | $13,877Best | $12,965 |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 15, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 308 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. FDWM has data through Nov 13, 2025 and VXUS through Sep 17, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 17, 2021 to Nov 13, 2025 (4.4 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDWM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% compared with 14.8% 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 -29.1% for FDWM and -29.4% 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDWM charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDWM currently yields 0.52% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 3.3% of FDWM's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
FDWM and VXUS share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 365 days apart, FDWM as of Jul 31, 2025 and VXUS as of Jul 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
4 positions in common, counted across the 86 positions we hold weights for in FDWM and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 82 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FDWM 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, FDWM or VXUS?
FDWM has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $54 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, FDWM or VXUS?
FDWM has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FDWM -29.1% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both FDWM and VXUS?
FDWM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, 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 FDWM and VXUS?
At least 3.3% of FDWM's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 4 positions in common, counted across the 86 positions we hold weights for in FDWM and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDWM or VXUS?
FDWM yields 0.52% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FDWM?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FDWM led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.