FXL vs VXUS
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.9B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +32.92% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.38% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.98% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FXL vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) 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 FXL returned +39.38% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, FXL is up 32.92% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, FXL compounded at +25.98% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.51% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FXL has the edge at +13.68% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.1% 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 -61.4% for FXL 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXL 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, FXL currently yields 0.00% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FXL and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7978 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FXL | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCCS | 0.39% | 0.01% | 0.38% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXL or VXUS?
FXL 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, FXL or VXUS?
Over the past year FXL returned +39.38% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so FXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXL annualized +13.68% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXL or VXUS?
FXL has been the more volatile fund at 22.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FXL -61.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FXL and VXUS?
FXL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXL and VXUS?
FXL and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7978 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXL or VXUS?
FXL yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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