LALT vs VXUS
First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, LALT or VXUS?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | LALT | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.18% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $345M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.70% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 16 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +11.50% | +13.64%Best |
| 1Y Return | +15.12% | +20.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.83% | +19.58%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.7%Best | 12.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -7.0%Best | -13.6% |
| $10,000 over 3.6 years | $13,543 | $16,873Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 1, 2023 to Sep 17, 2026 (3.6 years).
LALT 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 3.6 years both funds cover.
LALT vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (LALT) 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 LALT returned +15.12% while VXUS returned +20.82%. Year to date, LALT is up 11.50% versus a gain of 13.64% for VXUS.
Over three years, LALT compounded at +9.83% per year against +19.58% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +15.64% annualized vs +8.79%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.0% compared with 4.7% for LALT. 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 -7.0% for LALT and -13.6% 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 0.29. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LALT charges 1.18% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $118 vs $5 annually, a gap of $113 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LALT currently yields 3.70% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 7 holdings in LALT 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 7 positions we hold weights for in LALT and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 16 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of LALT 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, LALT or VXUS?
LALT has an expense ratio of 1.18% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $113 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, LALT or VXUS?
Over the past year LALT returned +15.12% vs +20.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), LALT annualized +8.79% vs +15.64% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, LALT or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 12.0% annualized versus 4.7% for LALT. Worst drawdown: LALT -7.0% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both LALT and VXUS?
LALT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, LALT or VXUS?
LALT yields 3.70% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so LALT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than LALT?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.