FRDM vs VXUS
Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FRDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FRDM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.65% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 136 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +30.39% | +14.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.55% | +25.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.41% | +19.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.94% | +9.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Freedom ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 23, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FRDM vs VXUS Performance
Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM) is a ETF from Freedom ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FRDM returned +63.55% while VXUS returned +25.63%. Year to date, FRDM is up 30.39% versus a gain of 14.98% for VXUS.
Over three years, FRDM compounded at +33.41% per year against +19.65% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +16.94% and +9.30% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, FRDM has the edge at +16.90% annualized vs +4.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FRDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.2% 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 -40.5% for FRDM 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 0.89. 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 1.65% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FRDM and VXUS share 95 holdings out of 7901 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FRDM or VXUS?
Over the past year FRDM returned +63.55% vs +25.63% for VXUS, so FRDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), FRDM annualized +16.90% vs +4.87% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FRDM or VXUS?
FRDM has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FRDM -40.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FRDM and VXUS?
FRDM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FRDM and VXUS?
FRDM and VXUS share 95 common holdings with a 4.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FRDM or VXUS?
FRDM yields 1.65% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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