FSTA vs VXUS
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FSTA or VXUS?
Large Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FSTA 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 | FSTA | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.4B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.17% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 98 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +9.54% | +16.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.25% | +27.58%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.02% | +20.48%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.54% | +9.09%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4%Best | 14.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -25.7%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,727 | $15,450Best |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 24, 2013 to Sep 4, 2026 (12.9 years).
FSTA 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 12.9 years both funds cover.
FSTA vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) is an ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FSTA returned +6.25% while VXUS returned +27.58%. Year to date, FSTA is up 9.54% versus a gain of 16.15% for VXUS.
Over three years, FSTA compounded at +9.02% per year against +20.48% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.54% and +9.09% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, FSTA has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +5.53%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 12.4% for FSTA. 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 -25.7% for FSTA 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 0.63. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSTA charges 0.08% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $5 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSTA currently yields 2.17% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 1.6% of FSTA'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.
FSTA and VXUS share little of their money.
2 positions in common, counted across the 93 positions we hold weights for in FSTA and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 98 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSTA 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, FSTA or VXUS?
FSTA has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $3 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FSTA or VXUS?
Over the past year FSTA returned +6.25% vs +27.58% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FSTA annualized +7.02% vs +5.53% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FSTA or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 12.4% for FSTA. Worst drawdown: FSTA -25.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FSTA and VXUS?
FSTA and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, 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 FSTA and VXUS?
At least 1.6% of FSTA's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 2 positions in common, counted across the 93 positions we hold weights for in FSTA and 8,094 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSTA or VXUS?
FSTA yields 2.17% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FSTA?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FSTA 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.