FTHY vs VXUS
First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FTHY or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y 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 | FTHY | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.59% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $644M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 10.78% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 301 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +0.51% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.78% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.03% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.50% | +9.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.9%Best | 14.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -31.2% | -29.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,773 | $15,485Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 26, 2020 to Sep 17, 2026 (6.2 years).
FTHY 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 6.2 years both funds cover.
FTHY vs VXUS Performance
First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund (FTHY) 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 FTHY returned -0.78% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, FTHY is up 0.51% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTHY compounded at +10.03% per year against +19.58% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +1.50% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +12.58% annualized vs +2.39%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% compared with 11.9% for FTHY. 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 -31.2% for FTHY and -29.4% 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTHY charges 3.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $359 vs $5 annually, a gap of $354 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTHY currently yields 10.78% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 222 holdings in FTHY and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 102.9% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 63 days apart, FTHY as of May 29, 2026 and VXUS as of Jul 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 222 positions we hold weights for in FTHY and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 301 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTHY 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, FTHY or VXUS?
FTHY has an expense ratio of 3.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $354 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTHY or VXUS?
Over the past year FTHY returned -0.78% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FTHY annualized +2.39% vs +12.58% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTHY or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 11.9% for FTHY. Worst drawdown: FTHY -31.2% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both FTHY and VXUS?
FTHY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, 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, FTHY or VXUS?
FTHY yields 10.78% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so FTHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FTHY?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.