KNG vs VXUS
FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income 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 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KNG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.28% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 139 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.81% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.69% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.63% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.03% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2018 | Jan 26, 2011 |
KNG vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) 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 KNG returned +9.69% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, KNG is up 7.81% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, KNG compounded at +7.63% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.03% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, KNG has the edge at +7.44% annualized vs +4.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KNG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -35.1% for KNG 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNG charges 0.74% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $5 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNG currently yields 8.28% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
KNG and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7938 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, KNG or VXUS?
KNG has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNG or VXUS?
Over the past year KNG returned +9.69% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), KNG annualized +7.44% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNG or VXUS?
KNG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: KNG -35.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both KNG and VXUS?
KNG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KNG and VXUS?
KNG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7938 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNG or VXUS?
KNG yields 8.28% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so KNG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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