FTHY vs VXUS
FTHY vs VXUS
First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTHY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $662M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.63% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 294 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.21% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.32% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.46% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.28% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTHY vs VXUS Performance
First Trust High Yield Opportunities 2027 Term Fund (FTHY) 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 FTHY returned +2.32% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FTHY is up 2.21% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTHY compounded at +10.46% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.28% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +2.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -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 0.71. 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 10.63% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTHY and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8090 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTHY | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AKRX | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $354 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTHY or VXUS?
Over the past year FTHY returned +2.32% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FTHY annualized +2.71% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTHY or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.9% for FTHY. Worst drawdown: FTHY -31.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTHY and VXUS?
FTHY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTHY and VXUS?
FTHY and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8090 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTHY or VXUS?
FTHY yields 10.63% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FTHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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