FNK vs VXUS
First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNK | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $227M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.56% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 226 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.20% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.81% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.95% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.97% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FNK vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FNK) 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 FNK returned +24.81% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, FNK is up 15.20% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, FNK compounded at +11.95% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.97% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FNK has the edge at +8.44% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -52.1% for FNK 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
FNK charges 0.74% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $5 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNK currently yields 1.56% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FNK and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8086 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, FNK or VXUS?
FNK has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNK or VXUS?
Over the past year FNK returned +24.81% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FNK annualized +8.44% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNK or VXUS?
FNK has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FNK -52.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FNK and VXUS?
FNK 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 FNK and VXUS?
FNK and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8086 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNK or VXUS?
FNK yields 1.56% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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