FRNW vs VXUS
Fidelity Clean Energy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FRNW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FRNW | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $98M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.24% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.02% | +14.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.65% | +25.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.86% | +20.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 5, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FRNW vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity Clean Energy ETF (FRNW) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FRNW returned +28.65% while VXUS returned +25.40%. Year to date, FRNW is up 7.02% versus a gain of 14.26% for VXUS.
Over three years, FRNW compounded at +9.86% per year against +20.47% for VXUS. Across the full 5-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.83% annualized vs -1.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FRNW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.2% 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 -59.4% for FRNW 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FRNW charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FRNW currently yields 1.24% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FRNW and VXUS share 25 holdings out of 7895 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FRNW or VXUS?
FRNW has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FRNW or VXUS?
Over the past year FRNW returned +28.65% vs +25.40% for VXUS, so FRNW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FRNW annualized -1.44% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FRNW or VXUS?
FRNW has been the more volatile fund at 29.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FRNW -59.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FRNW and VXUS?
FRNW and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FRNW and VXUS?
FRNW and VXUS share 25 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7895 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FRNW or VXUS?
FRNW yields 1.24% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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