FLDB vs VXUS
Fidelity Low Duration Bond 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 | FLDB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $415M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.72% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 397 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.16% | +14.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.89% | +25.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 22, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLDB vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity Low Duration Bond ETF (FLDB) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLDB returned +3.89% while VXUS returned +25.24%. Year to date, FLDB is up 2.16% versus a gain of 14.56% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 0.5% for FLDB. 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 -0.5% for FLDB 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLDB charges 0.20% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $5 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLDB currently yields 4.72% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLDB and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7888 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLDB or VXUS?
FLDB has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLDB or VXUS?
Over the past year FLDB returned +3.89% vs +25.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FLDB annualized +4.60% vs +4.84% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLDB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 0.5% for FLDB. Worst drawdown: FLDB -0.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLDB and VXUS?
FLDB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLDB and VXUS?
FLDB and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7888 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLDB or VXUS?
FLDB yields 4.72% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FLDB 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.