FTAG vs VXUS
First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF 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 | FTAG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $14M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.63% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.63% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.31% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.71% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTAG vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) 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 FTAG returned +12.63% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FTAG is up 10.63% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTAG compounded at +4.31% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.71% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs -17.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTAG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.8% 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 -98.4% for FTAG 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTAG charges 0.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $5 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTAG currently yields 1.30% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTAG and VXUS share 20 holdings out of 7902 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTAG or VXUS?
FTAG has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTAG or VXUS?
Over the past year FTAG returned +12.63% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FTAG annualized -17.43% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTAG or VXUS?
FTAG has been the more volatile fund at 30.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FTAG -98.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTAG and VXUS?
FTAG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTAG and VXUS?
FTAG and VXUS share 20 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7902 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTAG or VXUS?
FTAG yields 1.30% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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