LDSF vs VXUS
First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, LDSF or VXUS?
Short Term Bond against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y 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 | LDSF | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.77% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $164M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.69% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 20 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -0.49% | +12.44%Best |
| 1Y Return | +0.41% | +20.21%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.66% | +19.97%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.09% | +8.99%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4%Best | 15.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -8.7%Best | -35.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,090 | $15,379Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Short Term Bond | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 7, 2019 to Sep 24, 2026 (7.7 years).
LDSF 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 7.7 years both funds cover.
LDSF vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Low Duration Strategic Focus ETF (LDSF) 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 LDSF returned +0.41% while VXUS returned +20.21%. Year to date, LDSF is down 0.49% versus a gain of 12.44% for VXUS.
Over three years, LDSF compounded at +4.66% per year against +19.97% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.09% and +8.99% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +10.07% annualized vs +1.47%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% compared with 3.4% for LDSF. 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 -8.7% for LDSF and -35.1% 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LDSF charges 0.77% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $77 vs $5 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LDSF currently yields 4.69% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 9 holdings in LDSF and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 99.7% 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 9 positions we hold weights for in LDSF and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 20 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of LDSF 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, LDSF or VXUS?
LDSF has an expense ratio of 0.77% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $72 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, LDSF or VXUS?
Over the past year LDSF returned +0.41% vs +20.21% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), LDSF annualized +1.47% vs +10.07% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, LDSF or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 3.4% for LDSF. Worst drawdown: LDSF -8.7% vs VXUS -35.1%.
Should I hold both LDSF and VXUS?
LDSF and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, 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, LDSF or VXUS?
LDSF yields 4.69% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so LDSF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than LDSF?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.