FTXL vs VXUS
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FTXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +70.09% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +136.06% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.43% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +28.29% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTXL vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) 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 FTXL returned +136.06% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, FTXL is up 70.09% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTXL compounded at +49.43% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +28.29% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXL has the edge at +28.36% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.3% 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 -43.9% for FTXL 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXL charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTXL currently yields 0.09% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTXL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7895 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXL or VXUS?
FTXL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTXL or VXUS?
Over the past year FTXL returned +136.06% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so FTXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXL annualized +28.36% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXL or VXUS?
FTXL has been the more volatile fund at 31.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FTXL -43.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTXL and VXUS?
FTXL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXL and VXUS?
FTXL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7895 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXL or VXUS?
FTXL yields 0.09% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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