FPF vs VXUS
FPF vs VXUS
First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income 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 | FPF | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.78% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.64% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 230 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.90% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.62% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.14% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.65% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FPF vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund (FPF) 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 FPF returned +1.62% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FPF is down 0.90% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FPF compounded at +14.14% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +0.65% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +0.73%. 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 14.9% for FPF. 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 -54.6% for FPF 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPF charges 1.78% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $178 vs $5 annually, a gap of $173 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPF currently yields 8.64% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FPF and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8030 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FPF | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TRP:CA | 0.24% | 0.15% | 0.09% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPF or VXUS?
FPF has an expense ratio of 1.78% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $173 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPF or VXUS?
Over the past year FPF returned +1.62% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FPF annualized +0.73% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.9% for FPF. Worst drawdown: FPF -54.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FPF and VXUS?
FPF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPF and VXUS?
FPF and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8030 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPF or VXUS?
FPF yields 8.64% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FPF 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.