HSMV vs VXUS
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, HSMV or VXUS?
Small Cap Blend against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HSMV | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $10M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.90% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 302 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +4.44% | +14.49%Best |
| 1Y Return | +4.30% | +21.52%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.34% | +20.55%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.54% | +9.57%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7%Tie | 14.7%Tie |
| Max Drawdown | -19.2%Best | -29.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,486 | $15,793Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 6, 2020 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 7, 2020 to Sep 21, 2026 (6.5 years).
HSMV vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.5 years both funds cover.
HSMV vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HSMV returned +4.30% while VXUS returned +21.52%. Year to date, HSMV is up 4.44% versus a gain of 14.49% for VXUS.
Over three years, HSMV compounded at +9.34% per year against +20.55% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.54% and +9.57% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +14.57% annualized vs +10.37%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HSMV and VXUS have been equally volatile, both at 14.7% annualized.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -19.2% for HSMV and -29.4% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
HSMV charges 0.80% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $5 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HSMV currently yields 1.90% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 2.3% of HSMV's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
HSMV and VXUS share little of their money.
2 positions in common, counted across the 150 positions we hold weights for in HSMV and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 302 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HSMV and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HSMV or VXUS?
HSMV has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $75 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HSMV or VXUS?
Over the past year HSMV returned +4.30% vs +21.52% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), HSMV annualized +10.37% vs +14.57% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HSMV or VXUS?
HSMV and VXUS have been equally volatile, both at 14.7% annualized. Worst drawdown: HSMV -19.2% vs VXUS -29.4%.
Should I hold both HSMV and VXUS?
HSMV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between HSMV and VXUS?
At least 2.3% of HSMV's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 2 positions in common, counted across the 150 positions we hold weights for in HSMV and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, HSMV or VXUS?
HSMV yields 1.90% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than HSMV?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.