FLGV vs VXUS
Franklin US Treasury 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLGV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.11% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.55% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.27% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.06% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.55% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 9, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLGV vs VXUS Performance
Franklin US Treasury Bond ETF (FLGV) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLGV returned +1.27% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FLGV is down 0.55% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLGV compounded at +3.06% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.55% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs -0.92%. 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 5.0% for FLGV. 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 -18.4% for FLGV 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLGV charges 0.09% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $5 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLGV currently yields 4.11% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLGV and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7902 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLGV or VXUS?
FLGV has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLGV or VXUS?
Over the past year FLGV returned +1.27% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FLGV annualized -0.92% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLGV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.0% for FLGV. Worst drawdown: FLGV -18.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLGV and VXUS?
FLGV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLGV and VXUS?
FLGV and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7902 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLGV or VXUS?
FLGV yields 4.11% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FLGV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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