FYC vs VXUS
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FYC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYC | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.07% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 263 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +27.19% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.80% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.18% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.77% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FYC vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) 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 FYC returned +47.80% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, FYC is up 27.19% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, FYC compounded at +27.18% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.77% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FYC has the edge at +12.60% annualized vs +4.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -48.1% for FYC 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYC charges 0.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $5 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYC currently yields 0.07% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FYC and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8121 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, FYC or VXUS?
FYC has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYC or VXUS?
Over the past year FYC returned +47.80% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so FYC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FYC annualized +12.60% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYC or VXUS?
FYC has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FYC -48.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FYC and VXUS?
FYC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYC and VXUS?
FYC and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8121 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYC or VXUS?
FYC yields 0.07% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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