FTDS vs VXUS
First Trust Dividend Strength ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FTDS or VXUS?
Mid Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FTDS 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 | FTDS | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $40M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 102 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +14.80%Best | +13.64% |
| 1Y Return | +19.62% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.86% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.14% | +9.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -42.6% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,789 | $15,485Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Sep 17, 2026 (15.6 years).
FTDS 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 15.6 years both funds cover.
FTDS vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) 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 FTDS returned +19.62% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, FTDS is up 14.80% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTDS compounded at +16.86% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.14% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FTDS has the edge at +8.34% annualized vs +4.77%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTDS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% compared with 15.0% 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 -42.6% for FTDS 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTDS 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, FTDS currently yields 1.49% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 2.0% of FTDS's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
FTDS and VXUS share little of their money.
1 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTDS and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 102 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTDS | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HALHalliburton Co. | 2.00% | 0.02% | 1.98% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTDS 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, FTDS or VXUS?
FTDS has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $65 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTDS or VXUS?
Over the past year FTDS returned +19.62% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FTDS annualized +8.34% vs +4.77% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTDS or VXUS?
FTDS has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FTDS -42.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTDS and VXUS?
FTDS and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, 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 FTDS and VXUS?
At least 2.0% of FTDS's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 1 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTDS and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTDS or VXUS?
FTDS yields 1.49% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FTDS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FTDS 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.