FTXR vs VXUS
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FTXR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.13% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.36% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.03% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.56% | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.30% | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTXR vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) 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 FTXR returned +39.03% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, FTXR is up 15.36% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTXR compounded at +16.56% per year against +19.53% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.30% and +9.03% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXR has the edge at +9.34% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.9% 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 -53.4% for FTXR 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXR 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, FTXR currently yields 1.13% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTXR and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7904 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, FTXR or VXUS?
FTXR 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, FTXR or VXUS?
Over the past year FTXR returned +39.03% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so FTXR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXR annualized +9.34% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXR or VXUS?
FTXR has been the more volatile fund at 23.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FTXR -53.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTXR and VXUS?
FTXR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXR and VXUS?
FTXR and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7904 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXR or VXUS?
FTXR yields 1.13% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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