FXO vs VXUS
FXO vs VXUS
First Trust Financials 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.94% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.75% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.17% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.94% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FXO vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Financials AlphaDEX Fund (FXO) 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 FXO returned +20.75% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FXO is up 10.94% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FXO compounded at +20.17% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.94% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FXO has the edge at +7.16% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -72.2% for FXO 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
FXO 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, FXO currently yields 2.21% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXO or VXUS?
FXO 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, FXO or VXUS?
Over the past year FXO returned +20.75% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXO annualized +7.16% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXO or VXUS?
FXO has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FXO -72.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FXO and VXUS?
FXO 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 FXO and VXUS?
FXO and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7963 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXO or VXUS?
FXO yields 2.21% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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