FLN vs VXUS
First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $39M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.30% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FLN vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund (FLN) 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 FLN returned +27.27% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FLN is up 9.30% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FLN compounded at +13.40% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.04% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +0.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.1% 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 -67.7% for FLN 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLN 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, FLN currently yields 3.38% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FLN and VXUS share 37 holdings out of 7883 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLN or VXUS?
FLN 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, FLN or VXUS?
Over the past year FLN returned +27.27% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so FLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FLN annualized +0.22% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLN or VXUS?
FLN has been the more volatile fund at 26.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FLN -67.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FLN and VXUS?
FLN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLN and VXUS?
FLN and VXUS share 37 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7883 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLN or VXUS?
FLN yields 3.38% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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