FLV vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFLVVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.42%0.05%
AUM$364M$156.5B
Dividend Yield1.59%2.60%
Holdings508,747
YTD Return+15.68%+14.57%
1Y Return+23.57%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.86%+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+10.30%+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)13.3%15.1%
Max Drawdown-15.1%-39.9%
Fund FamilyAmerican Century ETFsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 31, 2020Jan 26, 2011

FLV vs VXUS Performance

American Century Focused Large Cap Value ETF (FLV) is a ETF from American Century ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLV returned +23.57% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FLV is up 15.68% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, FLV compounded at +15.86% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.30% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FLV has the edge at +16.01% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 13.3% for FLV. 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 -15.1% for FLV 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FLV charges 0.42% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $5 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLV currently yields 1.59% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

FLV and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7912 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in FLVWeight in VXUSDifference
AMRZ:SM1.82%0.07%1.75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FLV or VXUS?

FLV has an expense ratio of 0.42% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FLV or VXUS?

Over the past year FLV returned +23.57% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FLV annualized +16.01% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FLV or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.3% for FLV. Worst drawdown: FLV -15.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both FLV and VXUS?

FLV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FLV and VXUS?

FLV and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7912 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FLV or VXUS?

FLV yields 1.59% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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