FPXE vs VXUS
First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF 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 | FPXE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +9.69% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.61% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.98% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.88% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 2, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FPXE vs VXUS Performance
First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF (FPXE) 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 FPXE returned +8.61% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FPXE is up 9.69% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FPXE compounded at +18.98% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.88% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, FPXE has the edge at +8.69% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPXE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -49.5% for FPXE 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPXE charges 0.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $5 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPXE currently yields 1.46% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FPXE and VXUS share 43 holdings out of 7927 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPXE or VXUS?
FPXE has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPXE or VXUS?
Over the past year FPXE returned +8.61% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FPXE annualized +8.69% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPXE or VXUS?
FPXE has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FPXE -49.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FPXE and VXUS?
FPXE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPXE and VXUS?
FPXE and VXUS share 43 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7927 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPXE or VXUS?
FPXE yields 1.46% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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