IFV vs VXUS
First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, IFV or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93.
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 | IFV | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.14% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $227M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.83% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 12 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +1.99% | +12.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.89% | +19.86%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +19.33%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.71% | +9.46%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,588 | $15,714Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 23, 2014 to Sep 18, 2026 (12.2 years).
IFV 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 12.2 years both funds cover.
IFV vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright International Focus 5 ETF (IFV) 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 IFV returned +6.89% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, IFV is up 1.99% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, IFV compounded at +13.39% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +4.71% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +5.23% annualized vs +2.99%.
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 14.8% 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 what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 1.83% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 5 holdings in IFV and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 99.9% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 5 positions we hold weights for in IFV and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 12 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IFV 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, IFV or VXUS?
IFV has an expense ratio of 1.14% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $109 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IFV or VXUS?
Over the past year IFV returned +6.89% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IFV annualized +2.99% vs +5.23% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IFV or VXUS?
IFV has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 14.8% 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. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFV or VXUS?
IFV yields 1.83% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than IFV?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.93. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.