FPA vs VXUS
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FPA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPA | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $111M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +32.37% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.58% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.72% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.02% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FPA vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FPA) 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 FPA returned +43.58% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FPA is up 32.37% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FPA compounded at +27.72% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.02% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.2% 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 -55.8% for FPA 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPA charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPA currently yields 3.88% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FPA and VXUS share 72 holdings out of 7896 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPA or VXUS?
FPA has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPA or VXUS?
Over the past year FPA returned +43.58% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so FPA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FPA annualized +4.66% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPA or VXUS?
FPA has been the more volatile fund at 22.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FPA -55.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FPA and VXUS?
FPA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPA and VXUS?
FPA and VXUS share 72 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7896 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPA or VXUS?
FPA yields 3.88% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.