FMED vs VXUS
Fidelity Disruptive Medicine ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FMED delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMED | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $46M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.95% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.70% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.46% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 13, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FMED vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity Disruptive Medicine ETF (FMED) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FMED returned +29.70% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, FMED is up 12.95% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, FMED compounded at +8.46% per year against +19.79% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, FMED has the edge at +6.27% annualized vs +4.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FMED has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -21.8% for FMED 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FMED and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 7927 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FMED or VXUS?
Over the past year FMED returned +29.70% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so FMED leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FMED annualized +6.27% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FMED or VXUS?
FMED has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FMED -21.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FMED and VXUS?
FMED and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FMED and VXUS?
FMED and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7927 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMED or VXUS?
FMED yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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