FSGS vs VXUS
First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FSGS or VXUS?
Small Cap Blend against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS 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 | FSGS | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $32M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.03% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 202 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +9.99% | +16.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.24% | +27.58%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.36% | +20.48%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.82% | +9.09%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 15.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -45.0% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,654 | $15,450Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small 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 4, 2026 (9.2 years).
FSGS 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.
FSGS vs VXUS Performance
First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS) 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 FSGS returned +6.24% while VXUS returned +27.58%. Year to date, FSGS is up 9.99% versus a gain of 16.15% for VXUS.
Over three years, FSGS compounded at +9.36% per year against +20.48% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.82% and +9.09% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +7.94% annualized vs +6.93%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% 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 -45.0% for FSGS 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSGS 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, FSGS currently yields 0.03% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 100 holdings in FSGS and 8,094 in VXUS, totalling 99.9% and 87.7% 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 FSGS and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 202 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSGS 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, FSGS or VXUS?
FSGS 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, FSGS or VXUS?
Over the past year FSGS returned +6.24% vs +27.58% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FSGS annualized +6.93% vs +7.94% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FSGS or VXUS?
FSGS has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.4% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FSGS -45.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FSGS and VXUS?
FSGS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, 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, FSGS or VXUS?
FSGS yields 0.03% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FSGS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS 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.