FVAL vs VXUS
Fidelity Value Factor 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 | FVAL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.56% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 132 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.05% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.92% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.05% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.42% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FVAL vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity Value Factor ETF (FVAL) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FVAL returned +24.92% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, FVAL is up 15.05% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, FVAL compounded at +21.05% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.42% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FVAL has the edge at +13.74% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FVAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -37.7% for FVAL 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FVAL charges 0.15% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $5 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FVAL currently yields 1.56% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FVAL and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 7991 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FVAL or VXUS?
FVAL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FVAL or VXUS?
Over the past year FVAL returned +24.92% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FVAL annualized +13.74% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FVAL or VXUS?
FVAL has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FVAL -37.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FVAL and VXUS?
FVAL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FVAL and VXUS?
FVAL and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7991 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FVAL or VXUS?
FVAL yields 1.56% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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