IFV vs VXUS
IFV vs VXUS
First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IFV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.14% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $225M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +4.62% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.61% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.96% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.31% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
IFV vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF (IFV) 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 IFV returned +12.61% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, IFV is up 4.62% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, IFV compounded at +14.96% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.31% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +3.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IFV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -51.2% for IFV 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IFV charges 1.14% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $114 vs $5 annually, a gap of $109 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IFV currently yields 1.75% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
IFV and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7866 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, IFV or VXUS?
IFV has an expense ratio of 1.14% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $109 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IFV or VXUS?
Over the past year IFV returned +12.61% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IFV annualized +3.23% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFV or VXUS?
IFV has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: IFV -51.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both IFV and VXUS?
IFV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IFV and VXUS?
IFV and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7866 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFV or VXUS?
IFV yields 1.75% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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