FXZ vs VXUS
First Trust Materials AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FXZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXZ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $390M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.42% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +26.85% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.97% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.56% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.07% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FXZ vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Materials AlphaDEX Fund (FXZ) 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 FXZ returned +42.97% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FXZ is up 26.85% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FXZ compounded at +10.56% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.07% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FXZ has the edge at +8.25% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -66.0% for FXZ 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXZ charges 0.64% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $5 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXZ currently yields 1.42% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FXZ and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7908 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXZ or VXUS?
FXZ has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXZ or VXUS?
Over the past year FXZ returned +42.97% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so FXZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXZ annualized +8.25% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXZ or VXUS?
FXZ has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FXZ -66.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FXZ and VXUS?
FXZ and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXZ and VXUS?
FXZ and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7908 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXZ or VXUS?
FXZ yields 1.42% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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