FXD vs VXUS
First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX Fund 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 | FXD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $273M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 113 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.97% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.54% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.66% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.52% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FXD vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Consumer Discretionary AlphaDEX Fund (FXD) 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 FXD returned +6.54% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FXD is up 2.97% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FXD compounded at +9.66% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +3.52% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FXD has the edge at +7.02% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.4% 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 -65.7% for FXD 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
FXD 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, FXD currently yields 0.60% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FXD and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7980 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FXD | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| QSR:CA | 0.29% | 0.05% | 0.24% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXD or VXUS?
FXD 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, FXD or VXUS?
Over the past year FXD returned +6.54% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXD annualized +7.02% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXD or VXUS?
FXD has been the more volatile fund at 22.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FXD -65.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FXD and VXUS?
FXD 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 FXD and VXUS?
FXD and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7980 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXD or VXUS?
FXD yields 0.60% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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