FSST vs VXUS
Fidelity Sustainable US Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FSST or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FSST led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y.
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 | FSST | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $13M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 90 | 8,747 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 4.4 years | $16,169Best | $12,965 |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 15, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 295 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. FSST has data through Nov 13, 2025 and VXUS through Sep 4, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 17, 2021 to Nov 13, 2025 (4.4 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% compared with 14.8% 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 -26.3% for FSST and -29.4% 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSST charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSST currently yields 1.55% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 2.4% of FSST's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 87.7% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
FSST and VXUS share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 334 days apart, FSST as of Jul 31, 2025 and VXUS as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
4 positions in common, counted across the 94 positions we hold weights for in FSST and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 90 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSST 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, FSST or VXUS?
FSST has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $54 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, FSST or VXUS?
FSST has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 14.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FSST -26.3% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both FSST and VXUS?
FSST and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, 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 FSST and VXUS?
At least 2.4% of FSST's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 4 positions in common, counted across the 94 positions we hold weights for in FSST and 8,094 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSST or VXUS?
FSST yields 1.55% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FSST?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FSST led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.