FRDM vs VXUS
Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FRDM or VXUS?
FRDM has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FRDM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FRDM | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $3.5B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.60% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 136 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +33.62%Best | +12.82% |
| 1Y Return | +58.29%Best | +19.86% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +36.39%Best | +19.33% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.42%Best | +9.46% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.1% | 16.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -35.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $23,288Best | $15,714 |
| Fund Family | Freedom ETFs | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | May 23, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 23, 2019 to Sep 18, 2026 (7.3 years).
FRDM vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 7.3 years both funds cover.
FRDM vs VXUS Performance
Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) is an ETF from Freedom ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FRDM returned +58.29% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, FRDM is up 33.62% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, FRDM compounded at +36.39% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +18.42% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, FRDM has the edge at +17.15% annualized vs +9.97%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FRDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.1% compared with 16.0% 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 -40.5% for FRDM and -35.1% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FRDM charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FRDM currently yields 1.60% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 72.1% of FRDM's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of FRDM is already inside VXUS. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
101 positions in common, counted across the 127 positions we hold weights for in FRDM and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 136 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FRDM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000660:KRSk Hynix Inc | 9.16% | 1.41% | 7.75% |
| 2454:TWMediaTek Inc ORD TWD10 | 5.32% | 0.35% | 4.97% |
| LTM:CLLatam Airlines Group Sa | 3.50% | 0.02% | 3.48% |
| PEO:PLBank Pekao S.A. | 3.41% | 0.03% | 3.38% |
| 2308:TWDelta Electronics Inc | 3.06% | 0.21% | 2.85% |
| VALE3:BVVale Sa | 2.78% | 0.12% | 2.66% |
| CHILE:CLBanco De Chile | 2.86% | 0.02% | 2.84% |
| 2317:TWHon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd | 2.62% | 0.21% | 2.41% |
| FALABELLA:CLSaci Falabella 144A | 2.40% | 0.02% | 2.38% |
| MBBM:MYMalayan Banking Bhd | 1.75% | 0.05% | 1.70% |
72.1% of FRDM is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FRDM or VXUS?
FRDM has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $44 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FRDM or VXUS?
Over the past year FRDM returned +58.29% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so FRDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), FRDM annualized +17.15% vs +9.97% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FRDM or VXUS?
FRDM has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 16.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FRDM -40.5% vs VXUS -35.1%.
Should I hold both FRDM and VXUS?
FRDM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FRDM and VXUS?
At least 72.1% of FRDM's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 101 positions in common, counted across the 127 positions we hold weights for in FRDM and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, FRDM or VXUS?
FRDM yields 1.60% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FRDM?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FRDM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.