FMHI vs VXUS
First Trust Municipal High Income ETF 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 | FMHI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $997M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.26% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 694 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.29% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.34% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.80% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.40% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FMHI vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Municipal High Income ETF (FMHI) 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 FMHI returned +7.34% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, FMHI is up 2.29% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, FMHI compounded at +4.80% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.40% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs +1.83%. 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 7.2% for FMHI. 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 -18.8% for FMHI 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMHI charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMHI currently yields 4.26% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FMHI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8370 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, FMHI or VXUS?
FMHI has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FMHI or VXUS?
Over the past year FMHI returned +7.34% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FMHI annualized +1.83% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FMHI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 7.2% for FMHI. Worst drawdown: FMHI -18.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FMHI and VXUS?
FMHI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FMHI and VXUS?
FMHI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8370 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMHI or VXUS?
FMHI yields 4.26% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FMHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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