FMAY vs VXUS
FMAY vs VXUS
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May 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 | FMAY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.67% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.38% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.59% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.32% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FMAY vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY) 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 FMAY returned +13.38% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FMAY is up 7.67% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FMAY compounded at +13.59% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.32% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FMAY has the edge at +10.40% 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 9.2% for FMAY. 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 -13.6% for FMAY 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMAY charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMAY currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FMAY and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, FMAY or VXUS?
FMAY has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FMAY or VXUS?
Over the past year FMAY returned +13.38% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FMAY annualized +10.40% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FMAY or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 9.2% for FMAY. Worst drawdown: FMAY -13.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FMAY and VXUS?
FMAY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FMAY and VXUS?
FMAY and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMAY or VXUS?
FMAY yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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