FSCS vs VXUS
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FSCS or VXUS?
Mid Cap Blend against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FSCS led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
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 | FSCS | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $60M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.98% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 202 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +2.20% | +12.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.68% | +19.86%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.02% | +19.33%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.41% | +9.46%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 15.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,643 | $15,714Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 22, 2017 to Sep 18, 2026 (9.2 years).
FSCS 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 9.2 years both funds cover.
FSCS vs VXUS Performance
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FSCS returned -0.68% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, FSCS is up 2.20% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, FSCS compounded at +10.02% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.41% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FSCS has the edge at +7.65% annualized vs +7.56%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% compared with 15.4% 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 -43.6% for FSCS and -39.9% 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSCS charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSCS currently yields 0.98% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 100 holdings in FSCS and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 99.9% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 100 positions we hold weights for in FSCS and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 202 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSCS and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSCS or VXUS?
FSCS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $55 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FSCS or VXUS?
Over the past year FSCS returned -0.68% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FSCS annualized +7.65% vs +7.56% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FSCS or VXUS?
FSCS has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FSCS -43.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FSCS and VXUS?
FSCS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSCS or VXUS?
FSCS yields 0.98% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FSCS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FSCS led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.