FKU vs VXUS
First Trust United Kingdom 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FKU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $38M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.71% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +14.28% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.26% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.95% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.44% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FKU vs VXUS Performance
First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund (FKU) 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 FKU returned +26.26% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FKU is up 14.28% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FKU compounded at +22.95% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.44% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, FKU has the edge at +5.93% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FKU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -58.7% for FKU 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FKU 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, FKU currently yields 2.71% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FKU and VXUS share 62 holdings out of 7875 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FKU or VXUS?
FKU 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, FKU or VXUS?
Over the past year FKU returned +26.26% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), FKU annualized +5.93% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FKU or VXUS?
FKU has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FKU -58.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FKU and VXUS?
FKU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FKU and VXUS?
FKU and VXUS share 62 common holdings with a 4.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7875 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FKU or VXUS?
FKU yields 2.71% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FKU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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