MISL vs VXUS
MISL vs VXUS
First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MISL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $750M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.46% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.18% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.85% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MISL vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL) 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 MISL returned +23.18% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, MISL is up 6.46% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, MISL compounded at +26.85% per year against +19.27% for VXUS. Across the full 4-year window we track, MISL has the edge at +25.13% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MISL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -17.9% for MISL 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MISL charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MISL currently yields 0.34% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MISL and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7900 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, MISL or VXUS?
MISL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MISL or VXUS?
Over the past year MISL returned +23.18% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MISL annualized +25.13% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MISL or VXUS?
MISL has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: MISL -17.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MISL and VXUS?
MISL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MISL and VXUS?
MISL and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7900 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MISL or VXUS?
MISL yields 0.34% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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