FEP vs VXUS
First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FEP | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $534M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.72% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 209 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.37% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.31% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.04% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.13% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 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 |
FEP vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Europe AlphaDEX Fund (FEP) 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 FEP returned +22.31% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FEP is up 12.37% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FEP compounded at +25.04% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.13% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FEP has the edge at +5.76% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 FEP 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEP 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, FEP currently yields 2.72% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FEP and VXUS share 118 holdings out of 7951 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FEP or VXUS?
FEP 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, FEP or VXUS?
Over the past year FEP returned +22.31% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FEP annualized +5.76% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEP or VXUS?
FEP has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FEP -48.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FEP and VXUS?
FEP and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 FEP and VXUS?
FEP and VXUS share 118 common holdings with a 5.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7951 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEP or VXUS?
FEP yields 2.72% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FEP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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