FFLS vs VXUS
The Future Fund Long/Short ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FFLS or VXUS?
Long-Short Strategy against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | FFLS | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.60% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $43M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.64% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 60 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -0.94% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | -5.26% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.56% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.2%Best | 12.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -11.1%Best | -13.6% |
| $10,000 over 3.2 years | $12,789 | $16,754Best |
| Fund Family | The Future Fund | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Long-Short Strategy | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 21, 2023 to Sep 17, 2026 (3.2 years).
FFLS 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 3.2 years both funds cover.
FFLS vs VXUS Performance
The Future Fund Long/Short ETF (FFLS) is an ETF from The Future Fund and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FFLS returned -5.26% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, FFLS is down 0.94% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, FFLS compounded at +8.56% per year against +19.58% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.2% compared with 9.2% for FFLS. 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 -11.1% for FFLS and -13.6% 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 0.47. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FFLS charges 1.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $160 vs $5 annually, a gap of $155 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFLS currently yields 6.64% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 53 holdings in FFLS and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 79.2% and 88.8% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 2 positions appear in both.
2 positions in common, counted across the 53 positions we hold weights for in FFLS and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 60 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FFLS 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, FFLS or VXUS?
FFLS has an expense ratio of 1.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $155 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FFLS or VXUS?
Over the past year FFLS returned -5.26% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FFLS or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 12.2% annualized versus 9.2% for FFLS. Worst drawdown: FFLS -11.1% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both FFLS and VXUS?
FFLS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, 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, FFLS or VXUS?
FFLS yields 6.64% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so FFLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FFLS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.