FTQI vs VXUS
First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income 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 | FTQI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $955M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.30% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 183 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.87% | +14.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.33% | +26.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.08% | +19.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.47% | +9.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTQI vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) 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 FTQI returned +21.33% while VXUS returned +26.79%. Year to date, FTQI is up 12.87% versus a gain of 14.72% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTQI compounded at +16.08% per year against +19.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.47% and +9.16% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, FTQI has the edge at +5.05% annualized vs +4.85%. 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 10.0% for FTQI. 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 -20.4% for FTQI 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTQI charges 0.75% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $5 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTQI currently yields 11.30% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTQI and VXUS share 8 holdings out of 8262 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTQI or VXUS?
FTQI has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTQI or VXUS?
Over the past year FTQI returned +21.33% vs +26.79% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTQI annualized +5.05% vs +4.85% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTQI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.0% for FTQI. Worst drawdown: FTQI -20.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTQI and VXUS?
FTQI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTQI and VXUS?
FTQI and VXUS share 8 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8262 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTQI or VXUS?
FTQI yields 11.30% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so FTQI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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