FJUL vs VXUS
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - July vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FJUL or VXUS?
Option Writing against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FJUL led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FJUL | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.3B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 10 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +9.28% | +12.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | +12.12% | +19.86%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.90% | +19.33%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.99%Best | +9.46% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9%Best | 14.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -13.1%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,616Best | $15,714 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 20, 2020 to Sep 18, 2026 (6.2 years).
FJUL vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.2 years both funds cover.
FJUL vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - July (FJUL) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FJUL returned +12.12% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, FJUL is up 9.28% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, FJUL compounded at +15.90% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.99% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FJUL has the edge at +11.94% annualized vs +11.50%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% compared with 9.9% for FJUL. 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 -13.1% for FJUL and -29.4% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FJUL 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, FJUL currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FJUL and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FJUL or VXUS?
FJUL has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $80 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FJUL or VXUS?
Over the past year FJUL returned +12.12% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FJUL annualized +11.94% vs +11.50% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FJUL or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 9.9% for FJUL. Worst drawdown: FJUL -13.1% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both FJUL and VXUS?
FJUL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FJUL or VXUS?
FJUL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FJUL?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FJUL led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.