FYX vs VXUS
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FYX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 526 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +28.66% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.90% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.14% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.00% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FYX vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) 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 FYX returned +41.90% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, FYX is up 28.66% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, FYX compounded at +21.14% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.00% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FYX has the edge at +8.93% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -62.1% for FYX 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYX charges 0.58% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $5 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYX currently yields 0.90% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FYX and VXUS share 4 holdings out of 8374 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, FYX or VXUS?
FYX has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYX or VXUS?
Over the past year FYX returned +41.90% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so FYX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FYX annualized +8.93% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYX or VXUS?
FYX has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FYX -62.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FYX and VXUS?
FYX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYX and VXUS?
FYX and VXUS share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8374 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYX or VXUS?
FYX yields 0.90% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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