First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) 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 FID returned +21.59% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FID is up 12.89% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, FID compounded at +19.12% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.31% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, FID has the edge at +6.49% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

FID has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -39.8% for FID 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.

FID charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FID currently yields 3.99% against 2.60% for VXUS.