FVD vs VXUS
First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FVD or VXUS?
Large Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FVD led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 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 | FVD | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $8.2B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 2.59% |
| Holdings | 498 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +9.77% | +16.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.92% | +27.58%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.67% | +20.48%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.47% | +9.09%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1%Best | 15.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -35.3%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,682 | $15,450Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2003 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Sep 4, 2026 (15.6 years).
FVD 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 15.6 years both funds cover.
FVD vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) 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 FVD returned +10.92% while VXUS returned +27.58%. Year to date, FVD is up 9.77% versus a gain of 16.15% for VXUS.
Over three years, FVD compounded at +11.67% per year against +20.48% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.47% and +9.09% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FVD has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +4.93%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 12.1% for FVD. 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 -35.3% for FVD 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
FVD charges 0.62% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $5 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FVD currently yields 2.23% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 8.1% of FVD's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 87.7% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
FVD and VXUS share little of their money.
20 positions in common, counted across the 247 positions we hold weights for in FVD and 8,094 in VXUS, against full books of 498 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FVD | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RY:CARoyal Bank Of Canada | 0.40% | 0.64% | 0.24% |
| AZN:LNAstraZeneca PLC | 0.38% | 0.62% | 0.24% |
| SHELShell Plc | 0.41% | 0.48% | 0.07% |
| RD:CAThe Toronto-Dominion Bank | 0.41% | 0.45% | 0.04% |
| SAP:FFSap Se, Sponsored Adr | 0.46% | 0.35% | 0.11% |
| BMO:CABank Of Montreal | 0.41% | 0.28% | 0.13% |
| RIO:LNRio Tinto Plc Ordinary Shares | 0.44% | 0.22% | 0.22% |
| BNS:CABank Of Nova Scotia/The Common Stock | 0.41% | 0.24% | 0.17% |
| ENB:CAEnbridge Inc. | 0.38% | 0.26% | 0.12% |
| CM:CACanadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce | 0.40% | 0.23% | 0.17% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FVD 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, FVD or VXUS?
FVD has an expense ratio of 0.62% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $57 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FVD or VXUS?
Over the past year FVD returned +10.92% vs +27.58% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FVD annualized +8.81% vs +4.93% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FVD or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 12.1% for FVD. Worst drawdown: FVD -35.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FVD and VXUS?
FVD 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.
What is the holdings overlap between FVD and VXUS?
At least 8.1% of FVD's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 20 positions in common, counted across the 247 positions we hold weights for in FVD and 8,094 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, FVD or VXUS?
FVD yields 2.23% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FVD?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FVD led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.