FTXN vs VXUS
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FTXN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $162M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.13% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +34.41% | +14.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.70% | +27.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.98% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.24% | +9.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTXN vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) 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 FTXN returned +43.70% while VXUS returned +27.24%. Year to date, FTXN is up 34.41% versus a gain of 14.07% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTXN compounded at +10.98% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +21.24% and +9.14% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXN has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.3% 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 -74.4% for FTXN 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXN 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, FTXN currently yields 2.13% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTXN and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7903 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 FTXN | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM | 0.49% | 0.02% | 0.47% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXN or VXUS?
FTXN 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, FTXN or VXUS?
Over the past year FTXN returned +43.70% vs +27.24% for VXUS, so FTXN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXN annualized +8.16% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXN or VXUS?
FTXN has been the more volatile fund at 32.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FTXN -74.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTXN and VXUS?
FTXN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXN and VXUS?
FTXN and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXN or VXUS?
FTXN yields 2.13% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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