FPX vs VXUS
First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FPX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.48% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +16.09% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.47% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.90% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.18% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FPX vs VXUS Performance
First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (FPX) 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 FPX returned +27.47% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FPX is up 16.09% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FPX compounded at +30.90% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.18% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FPX has the edge at +11.84% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -56.4% for FPX 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPX charges 0.57% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $5 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPX currently yields 0.48% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FPX and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7968 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FPX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLXY | 0.19% | 0.01% | 0.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPX or VXUS?
FPX has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPX or VXUS?
Over the past year FPX returned +27.47% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so FPX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FPX annualized +11.84% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPX or VXUS?
FPX has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FPX -56.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FPX and VXUS?
FPX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPX and VXUS?
FPX and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7968 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPX or VXUS?
FPX yields 0.48% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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