FEMB vs VXUS
First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FEMB or VXUS?
Long Term Mid Quality against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | FEMB | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $383M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.19% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 68 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +4.03% | +16.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +8.86% | +27.58%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.39% | +20.48%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.02% | +9.09%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3%Best | 14.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -47.5% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,604 | $15,450Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term Mid Quality | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 5, 2014 to Sep 4, 2026 (11.8 years).
FEMB 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 11.8 years both funds cover.
FEMB vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF (FEMB) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FEMB returned +8.86% while VXUS returned +27.58%. Year to date, FEMB is up 4.03% versus a gain of 16.15% for VXUS.
Over three years, FEMB compounded at +8.39% per year against +20.48% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.02% and +9.09% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +6.38% annualized vs -1.69%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% compared with 11.3% for FEMB. 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 -47.5% for FEMB and -39.9% 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEMB charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FEMB currently yields 6.19% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in FEMB and 8,094 in VXUS, totalling 1.4% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in FEMB and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 68 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FEMB 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, FEMB or VXUS?
FEMB has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $80 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FEMB or VXUS?
Over the past year FEMB returned +8.86% vs +27.58% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FEMB annualized -1.69% vs +6.38% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FEMB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 11.3% for FEMB. Worst drawdown: FEMB -47.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FEMB and VXUS?
FEMB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEMB or VXUS?
FEMB yields 6.19% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FEMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FEMB?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.