FNY vs VXUS
First Trust Mid Cap Growth 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $600M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 226 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.99% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.18% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.49% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.35% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FNY vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FNY) 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 FNY returned +26.18% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FNY is up 15.99% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FNY compounded at +19.49% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.35% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FNY has the edge at +11.71% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -38.9% for FNY 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNY charges 0.73% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $5 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNY currently yields 0.00% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FNY and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 8089 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNY or VXUS?
FNY has an expense ratio of 0.73% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNY or VXUS?
Over the past year FNY returned +26.18% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FNY annualized +11.71% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNY or VXUS?
FNY has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FNY -38.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FNY and VXUS?
FNY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNY and VXUS?
FNY and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8089 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNY or VXUS?
FNY yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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