FFTI vs VXUS
FormulaFolios Tactical Income ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FFTI or VXUS?
Diversified Sectoral Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y 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 | FFTI | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $69M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.40% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,844 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0%Best | 16.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -17.5%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 7.4 years | $9,465 | $13,122Best |
| Fund Family | FormulaFolio Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Diversified Sectoral Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2017 | 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 712 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. FFTI has data through Nov 1, 2024 and VXUS through Oct 14, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 7.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 6, 2017 to Nov 1, 2024 (7.4 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 6.0% for FFTI. 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 -17.5% for FFTI 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FFTI charges 0.96% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $5 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFTI currently yields 2.40% against 2.34% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FFTI 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, FFTI or VXUS?
FFTI has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $91 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, FFTI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 6.0% for FFTI. Worst drawdown: FFTI -17.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FFTI and VXUS?
FFTI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, 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, FFTI or VXUS?
FFTI yields 2.40% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so FFTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FFTI?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.