FIAX vs VXUS
Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative 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 | FIAX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $129M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.16% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.77% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.08% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.41% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | XFunds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FIAX vs VXUS Performance
Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX) is a ETF from XFunds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FIAX returned +4.08% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, FIAX is up 1.77% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, FIAX compounded at +3.41% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +3.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.5% for FIAX. 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 -6.3% for FIAX 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FIAX charges 0.97% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $5 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIAX currently yields 8.16% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FIAX and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7865 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, FIAX or VXUS?
FIAX has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FIAX or VXUS?
Over the past year FIAX returned +4.08% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FIAX annualized +3.24% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FIAX or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.5% for FIAX. Worst drawdown: FIAX -6.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FIAX and VXUS?
FIAX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FIAX and VXUS?
FIAX and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7865 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIAX or VXUS?
FIAX yields 8.16% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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