FPAS vs VXUS

Quick Verdict

VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.

Lower Fees: VXUSHigher Returns: VXUSMore Diversified: VXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFPASVXUSWinner
Expense Ratio0.10%0.05%
AUM$11M$156.5B
Dividend Yield4.77%2.60%
Holdings58,747
YTD Return-2.21%+14.07%
1Y Return-0.35%+27.24%
3Y Return (annualized)-+19.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.14%
Volatility (annualized)3.0%15.1%
Max Drawdown-3.7%-39.9%
Fund FamilyFPA Investors FirstVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionOct 31, 2024Jan 26, 2011

FPAS vs VXUS Performance

FPA Short Duration Government ETF (FPAS) is a ETF from FPA Investors First and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FPAS returned -0.35% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, FPAS is down 2.21% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.0% for FPAS. 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 -3.7% for FPAS 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FPAS charges 0.10% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $5 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPAS currently yields 4.77% against 2.60% for VXUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FPAS or VXUS?

FPAS has an expense ratio of 0.10% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FPAS or VXUS?

Over the past year FPAS returned -0.35% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FPAS annualized +2.49% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FPAS or VXUS?

VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.0% for FPAS. Worst drawdown: FPAS -3.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.

Should I hold both FPAS and VXUS?

FPAS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, FPAS or VXUS?

FPAS yields 4.77% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FPAS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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