FLC vs VXUS
Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return 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 | FLC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.64% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $193M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.71% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 257 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.15% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.51% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.68% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.16% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 29, 2003 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLC vs VXUS Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund (FLC) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLC returned +5.51% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FLC is down 0.15% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLC compounded at +12.68% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.16% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -83.0% for FLC 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLC charges 1.64% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $164 vs $5 annually, a gap of $159 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLC currently yields 6.71% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLC and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8043 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLC or VXUS?
FLC has an expense ratio of 1.64% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $159 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLC or VXUS?
Over the past year FLC returned +5.51% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FLC annualized -0.02% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLC or VXUS?
FLC has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FLC -83.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLC and VXUS?
FLC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLC and VXUS?
FLC and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8043 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLC or VXUS?
FLC yields 6.71% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FLC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.