MGOV vs VXUS
First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, MGOV or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
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 | MGOV | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $101M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.88% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 206 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | -1.33% | +12.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.96% | +19.71%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.40% | +19.25%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.59% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4%Best | 12.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1%Best | -13.6% |
| $10,000 over 3.1 years | $11,300 | $16,613Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 3, 2023 to Sep 15, 2026 (3.1 years).
MGOV 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 3.1 years both funds cover.
MGOV vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) 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 MGOV returned -0.96% while VXUS returned +19.71%. Year to date, MGOV is down 1.33% versus a gain of 12.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, MGOV compounded at +4.40% per year against +19.25% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.1% compared with 6.4% for MGOV. 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 -6.1% for MGOV 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MGOV charges 0.49% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $5 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MGOV currently yields 4.88% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 73 holdings in MGOV and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 48.3% 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 73 positions we hold weights for in MGOV and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 206 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MGOV 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, MGOV or VXUS?
MGOV has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $44 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MGOV or VXUS?
Over the past year MGOV returned -0.96% vs +19.71% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MGOV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 12.1% annualized versus 6.4% for MGOV. Worst drawdown: MGOV -6.1% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both MGOV and VXUS?
MGOV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, 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, MGOV or VXUS?
MGOV yields 4.88% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so MGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than MGOV?
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.