FEX vs VXUS
FEX vs VXUS
First Trust Large Cap Core 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FEX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 377 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.04% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.58% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.18% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.07% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FEX vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FEX) 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 FEX returned +26.58% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FEX is up 17.04% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FEX compounded at +19.18% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.07% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FEX has the edge at +8.71% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FEX 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 -59.7% for FEX 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEX charges 0.57% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $5 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FEX currently yields 0.96% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FEX and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 8225 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FEX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| STX:IE | 0.40% | 0.00% | 0.40% |
| BG | 0.31% | 0.03% | 0.28% |
| HBAN | 0.26% | 0.05% | 0.21% |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings FEX shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FEX or VXUS?
FEX has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FEX or VXUS?
Over the past year FEX returned +26.58% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FEX annualized +8.71% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEX or VXUS?
FEX has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FEX -59.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FEX and VXUS?
FEX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FEX and VXUS?
FEX and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8225 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEX or VXUS?
FEX yields 0.96% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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