FGSI vs VXUS
FT Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF 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 | FGSI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.57% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.60% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.03% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FGSI vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF (FGSI) 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 FGSI returned +15.03% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, FGSI is up 12.60% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 9.1% for FGSI. 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 -8.6% for FGSI 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGSI charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGSI currently yields 7.57% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FGSI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7911 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGSI or VXUS?
FGSI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGSI or VXUS?
Over the past year FGSI returned +15.03% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FGSI annualized +14.74% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGSI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.1% for FGSI. Worst drawdown: FGSI -8.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FGSI and VXUS?
FGSI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FGSI and VXUS?
FGSI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGSI or VXUS?
FGSI yields 7.57% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FGSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.