FGD vs VXUS
First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FGD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.04% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +17.89% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.57% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.69% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.61% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 21, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FGD vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) 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 FGD returned +29.57% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FGD is up 17.89% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FGD compounded at +25.69% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.61% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +2.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FGD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -70.2% for FGD 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGD charges 0.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $5 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGD currently yields 5.04% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FGD and VXUS share 59 holdings out of 7909 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGD or VXUS?
FGD has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGD or VXUS?
Over the past year FGD returned +29.57% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so FGD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FGD annualized +2.59% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGD or VXUS?
FGD has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FGD -70.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FGD and VXUS?
FGD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 FGD and VXUS?
FGD and VXUS share 59 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7909 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGD or VXUS?
FGD yields 5.04% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FGD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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