FTRI vs VXUS
First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources 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 | FTRI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $124M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.09% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.76% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.80% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.90% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.31% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTRI vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) 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 FTRI returned +22.80% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FTRI is up 10.76% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTRI compounded at +14.90% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.31% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs -1.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTRI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.1% 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 -84.4% for FTRI 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTRI 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, FTRI currently yields 2.09% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTRI and VXUS share 19 holdings out of 7901 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTRI or VXUS?
FTRI has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTRI or VXUS?
Over the past year FTRI returned +22.80% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FTRI annualized -1.66% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTRI or VXUS?
FTRI has been the more volatile fund at 27.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FTRI -84.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTRI and VXUS?
FTRI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTRI and VXUS?
FTRI and VXUS share 19 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTRI or VXUS?
FTRI yields 2.09% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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