Quick Verdict

HUSV has a lower expense ratio. HUSV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGI offers more diversification with 434 holdings.

Lower Fees: HUSVHigher Returns: HUSVMore Diversified: VGI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHUSVVGIWinner
Expense Ratio0.70%1.74%
AUM$74M$88M
Dividend Yield1.37%11.98%
Holdings101646
YTD Return+8.58%+1.47%
1Y Return+5.89%+5.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+9.95%+11.60%
5Y Return (annualized)+6.22%+2.10%
Volatility (annualized)13.2%14.2%
Max Drawdown-35.7%-63.3%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Virtus Investment Partners
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionAug 24, 2016Feb 23, 2012

HUSV vs VGI Performance

First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund (VGI) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year HUSV returned +5.89% while VGI returned +5.12%. Year to date, HUSV is up 8.58% versus a gain of 1.47% for VGI.

Over three years, HUSV compounded at +9.95% per year against +11.60% for VGI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.22% and +2.10% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, HUSV has the edge at +8.52% annualized vs -2.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VGI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 13.2% for HUSV. 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 -35.7% for HUSV and -63.3% for VGI. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HUSV charges 0.70% per year while VGI charges 1.74%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $174 annually, a gap of $104 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HUSV currently yields 1.37% against 11.98% for VGI.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HUSV and VGI share 0 holdings out of 535 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, HUSV or VGI?

HUSV has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VGI charges 1.74%. HUSV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $104 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HUSV or VGI?

Over the past year HUSV returned +5.89% vs +5.12% for VGI, so HUSV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), HUSV annualized +8.52% vs -2.38% for VGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HUSV or VGI?

VGI has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 13.2% for HUSV. Worst drawdown: HUSV -35.7% vs VGI -63.3%.

Should I hold both HUSV and VGI?

HUSV and VGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HUSV and VGI?

HUSV and VGI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HUSV or VGI?

HUSV yields 1.37% while VGI yields 11.98%, so VGI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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