FTIHX vs VXUS
Fidelity Total International Index 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTIHX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | - | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.46% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 5,059 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.87% | +15.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.71% | +26.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.65% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.75% | +9.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 7, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTIHX vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity Total International Index Fund (FTIHX) is a mutual fund from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FTIHX returned +23.71% while VXUS returned +26.78%. Year to date, FTIHX is up 15.87% versus a gain of 15.23% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTIHX compounded at +17.65% per year against +20.86% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.75% and +9.66% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, FTIHX has the edge at +6.75% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTIHX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -32.0% for FTIHX 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTIHX charges 0.06% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTIHX currently yields 2.46% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTIHX and VXUS share 4006 holdings out of 8844 unique holdings combined, representing a 67.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTIHX or VXUS?
FTIHX has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTIHX or VXUS?
Over the past year FTIHX returned +23.71% vs +26.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FTIHX annualized +6.75% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTIHX or VXUS?
FTIHX has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FTIHX -32.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTIHX and VXUS?
FTIHX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FTIHX and VXUS?
FTIHX and VXUS share 4006 common holdings with a 67.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8844 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTIHX or VXUS?
FTIHX yields 2.46% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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