NFTY vs VXUS
First Trust India Nifty 50 Equal Weight 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 | NFTY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.81% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $116M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.90% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -5.49% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.02% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.17% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.88% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NFTY vs VXUS Performance
First Trust India Nifty 50 Equal Weight ETF (NFTY) 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 NFTY returned -1.02% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, NFTY is down 5.49% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, NFTY compounded at +6.17% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.88% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, NFTY has the edge at +4.92% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NFTY 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 -50.6% for NFTY 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NFTY charges 0.81% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $81 vs $5 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFTY currently yields 1.90% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NFTY and VXUS share 22 holdings out of 7889 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NFTY | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 512599:MB | 2.47% | 0.01% | 2.46% |
| NEST:MB | 2.30% | 0.02% | 2.28% |
| LT:MB | 2.13% | 0.07% | 2.06% |
| 500114:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HDB:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAJA:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BHARTIARTL:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AXISBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ICICIBANK:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HLL:MB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NFTY or VXUS?
NFTY has an expense ratio of 0.81% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NFTY or VXUS?
Over the past year NFTY returned -1.02% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), NFTY annualized +4.92% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NFTY or VXUS?
NFTY has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: NFTY -50.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NFTY and VXUS?
NFTY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NFTY and VXUS?
NFTY and VXUS share 22 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7889 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NFTY or VXUS?
NFTY yields 1.90% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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