FXN vs VXUS
FXN vs VXUS
First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FXN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXN | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $372M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.83% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +28.10% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.91% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.50% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FXN vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) 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 FXN returned +43.91% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FXN is up 28.10% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FXN compounded at +9.50% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +18.69% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +1.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.8% 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 -88.6% for FXN 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXN charges 0.63% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $63 vs $5 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXN currently yields 1.83% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FXN and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7899 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 FXN | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AM | 0.80% | 0.02% | 0.78% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXN or VXUS?
FXN has an expense ratio of 0.63% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXN or VXUS?
Over the past year FXN returned +43.91% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so FXN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXN annualized +1.06% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXN or VXUS?
FXN has been the more volatile fund at 34.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FXN -88.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FXN and VXUS?
FXN and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXN and VXUS?
FXN and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7899 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXN or VXUS?
FXN yields 1.83% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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