FSZ vs VXUS
First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $37M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.01% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.88% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.93% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.03% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.77% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FSZ vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Switzerland AlphaDEX Fund (FSZ) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FSZ returned +7.93% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FSZ is up 4.88% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FSZ compounded at +13.03% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.77% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FSZ has the edge at +8.15% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -35.4% for FSZ 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSZ charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSZ currently yields 2.01% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FSZ and VXUS share 33 holdings out of 7876 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSZ or VXUS?
FSZ has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSZ or VXUS?
Over the past year FSZ returned +7.93% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FSZ annualized +8.15% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSZ or VXUS?
FSZ has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FSZ -35.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FSZ and VXUS?
FSZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSZ and VXUS?
FSZ and VXUS share 33 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7876 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSZ or VXUS?
FSZ yields 2.01% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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