FTCE vs VXUS
First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders 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 | FTCE | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $87M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.66% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.93% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.49% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 2, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTCE vs VXUS Performance
First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF (FTCE) 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 FTCE returned +24.49% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FTCE is up 12.93% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -18.1% for FTCE 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCE charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCE currently yields 0.66% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTCE and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 7965 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCE or VXUS?
FTCE has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCE or VXUS?
Over the past year FTCE returned +24.49% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FTCE annualized +21.16% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCE or VXUS?
FTCE has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FTCE -18.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTCE and VXUS?
FTCE and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCE and VXUS?
FTCE and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7965 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCE or VXUS?
FTCE yields 0.66% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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