FYT vs VXUS
First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FYT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $202M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 263 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +29.60% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.53% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.04% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FYT vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FYT) 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 FYT returned +36.53% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FYT is up 29.60% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FYT compounded at +16.04% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FYT has the edge at +9.35% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.4% 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 -51.7% for FYT 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYT 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, FYT currently yields 1.43% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FYT and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 8125 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FYT or VXUS?
FYT 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, FYT or VXUS?
Over the past year FYT returned +36.53% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so FYT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FYT annualized +9.35% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYT or VXUS?
FYT has been the more volatile fund at 22.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FYT -51.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FYT and VXUS?
FYT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYT and VXUS?
FYT and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYT or VXUS?
FYT yields 1.43% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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