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

MetricFLXNVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.82%0.05%
AUM$50M$156.5B
Dividend Yield7.95%2.60%
Holdings48,747
YTD Return-1.87%+14.57%
1Y Return-0.59%+27.82%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.28%
Volatility (annualized)3.7%15.1%
Max Drawdown-5.9%-39.9%
Fund FamilyHorizon FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 2, 2025Jan 26, 2011

FLXN vs VXUS Performance

Horizon Flexible Income ETF (FLXN) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLXN returned -0.59% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FLXN is down 1.87% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.7% for FLXN. 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 -5.9% for FLXN 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FLXN charges 0.82% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $82 vs $5 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLXN currently yields 7.95% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

FLXN and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7863 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, FLXN or VXUS?

FLXN has an expense ratio of 0.82% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FLXN or VXUS?

Over the past year FLXN returned -0.59% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FLXN annualized -0.11% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FLXN or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.7% for FLXN. Worst drawdown: FLXN -5.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both FLXN and VXUS?

FLXN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FLXN and VXUS?

FLXN and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7863 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FLXN or VXUS?

FLXN yields 7.95% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FLXN currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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