FMED vs VXUS
Fidelity Disruptive Medicine ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FMED or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FMED led over 1Y, VXUS over 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMED | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $45M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 77 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +20.43%Best | +14.94% |
| 1Y Return | +31.47%Best | +21.99% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.96% | +20.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.48% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 12.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -21.8% | -13.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.3 years | $12,947 | $17,228Best |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 13, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 12, 2023 to Sep 22, 2026 (3.3 years).
FMED vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3.3 years both funds cover.
FMED vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity Disruptive Medicine ETF (FMED) is an ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FMED returned +31.47% while VXUS returned +21.99%. Year to date, FMED is up 20.43% versus a gain of 14.94% for VXUS.
Over three years, FMED compounded at +13.96% per year against +20.89% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FMED has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% compared with 12.2% 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 -21.8% for FMED and -13.6% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.47. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMED charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMED currently yields 0.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 8.2% of FMED's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
FMED and VXUS share little of their money.
4 positions in common, counted across the 72 positions we hold weights for in FMED and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 77 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FMED and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FMED or VXUS?
FMED has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $45 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FMED or VXUS?
Over the past year FMED returned +31.47% vs +21.99% for VXUS, so FMED leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FMED or VXUS?
FMED has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 12.2% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FMED -21.8% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both FMED and VXUS?
FMED and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FMED and VXUS?
At least 8.2% of FMED's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 4 positions in common, counted across the 72 positions we hold weights for in FMED and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMED or VXUS?
FMED yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FMED?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FMED led over 1Y, VXUS over 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.