FTXR vs VXUS
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FTXR or VXUS?
Mid Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FTXR led over 1Y and the full window, VXUS over 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXR | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.0B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 88 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +10.21% | +13.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | +26.24%Best | +22.44% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.05% | +19.44%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.38% | +8.82%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.9% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -53.4% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,954 | $15,260Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 22, 2016 to Sep 10, 2026 (10 years).
FTXR vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 10 years both funds cover.
FTXR vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FTXR returned +26.24% while VXUS returned +22.44%. Year to date, FTXR is up 10.21% versus a gain of 13.35% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTXR compounded at +16.05% per year against +19.44% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.38% and +8.82% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXR has the edge at +8.76% annualized vs +7.91%.
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 15.0% 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 what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 1.00% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 43 holdings in FTXR and 8,091 in VXUS, totalling 99.7% and 87.7% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 63 days apart, FTXR as of Sep 1, 2026 and VXUS as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 43 positions we hold weights for in FTXR and 8,091 in VXUS, against full books of 88 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTXR and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $55 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTXR or VXUS?
Over the past year FTXR returned +26.24% vs +22.44% for VXUS, so FTXR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXR annualized +8.76% vs +7.91% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTXR or VXUS?
FTXR has been the more volatile fund at 23.9% annualized versus 15.0% 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 their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXR or VXUS?
FTXR yields 1.00% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FTXR?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FTXR led over 1Y and the full window, VXUS over 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.