FTCB vs VXUS
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FTCB or VXUS?
Investment Grade Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | FTCB | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $2.6B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.41% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 798 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -2.82% | +13.44%Best |
| 1Y Return | -1.78% | +21.98%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.41% | +20.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.16% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3%Best | 11.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -5.1%Best | -13.6% |
| $10,000 over 2.9 years | $11,333 | $17,683Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Investment Grade Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 8, 2023 to Sep 25, 2026 (2.9 years).
FTCB 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 2.9 years both funds cover.
FTCB vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) 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 FTCB returned -1.78% while VXUS returned +21.98%. Year to date, FTCB is down 2.82% versus a gain of 13.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTCB compounded at +4.41% per year against +20.89% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 11.1% compared with 5.3% for FTCB. 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 -5.1% for FTCB and -13.6% 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 0.61. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $5 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.41% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 300 holdings in FTCB and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 39.1% and 88.8% 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 300 positions we hold weights for in FTCB and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 798 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTCB 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, FTCB or VXUS?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $51 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCB or VXUS?
Over the past year FTCB returned -1.78% vs +21.98% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 11.1% annualized versus 5.3% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.1% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both FTCB and VXUS?
FTCB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, 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, FTCB or VXUS?
FTCB yields 5.41% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FTCB?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.