FJP vs VXUS
First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund 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 | FJP | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $262M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.58% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.25% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.91% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.40% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.49% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FJP vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP) 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 FJP returned +24.91% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FJP is up 16.25% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FJP compounded at +20.40% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.49% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FJP has the edge at +5.20% 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 15.1% for FJP. 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 -43.9% for FJP 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FJP charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FJP currently yields 2.58% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FJP and VXUS share 62 holdings out of 7907 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FJP or VXUS?
FJP has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FJP or VXUS?
Over the past year FJP returned +24.91% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FJP annualized +5.20% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FJP or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.1% for FJP. Worst drawdown: FJP -43.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FJP and VXUS?
FJP and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FJP and VXUS?
FJP and VXUS share 62 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7907 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FJP or VXUS?
FJP yields 2.58% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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