FIIG vs VXUS
First Trust Intermediate Duration Investment Grade Corporate 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FIIG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $646M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.05% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 235 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.63% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.57% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.51% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FIIG vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Intermediate Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FIIG) 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 FIIG returned +1.57% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FIIG is down 0.63% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FIIG compounded at +5.51% per year against +20.34% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, FIIG has the edge at +5.40% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 6.2% for FIIG. 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 -5.5% for FIIG 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FIIG charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIIG currently yields 5.05% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FIIG and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8029 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, FIIG or VXUS?
FIIG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FIIG or VXUS?
Over the past year FIIG returned +1.57% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FIIG annualized +5.40% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FIIG or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.2% for FIIG. Worst drawdown: FIIG -5.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FIIG and VXUS?
FIIG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FIIG and VXUS?
FIIG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8029 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIIG or VXUS?
FIIG yields 5.05% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FIIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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