FMF vs VXUS
First Trust Managed Futures Strategy Fund 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $261M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.05% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.84% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.37% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.89% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.73% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 1, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FMF vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Managed Futures Strategy Fund (FMF) 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 FMF returned +13.37% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FMF is up 7.84% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FMF compounded at +5.89% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.73% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +1.48%. 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 7.3% for FMF. 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 -24.8% for FMF 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 0.00. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMF charges 0.98% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $5 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMF currently yields 5.05% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FMF and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7871 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, FMF or VXUS?
FMF has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FMF or VXUS?
Over the past year FMF returned +13.37% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FMF annualized +1.48% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FMF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.3% for FMF. Worst drawdown: FMF -24.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FMF and VXUS?
FMF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.00, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FMF and VXUS?
FMF and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7871 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMF or VXUS?
FMF yields 5.05% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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