NOVM vs VXUS
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - November 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 | NOVM | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $28M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +3.57% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.23% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
NOVM vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - November (NOVM) 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 NOVM returned +7.23% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, NOVM is up 3.57% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 2.7% for NOVM. 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 -3.3% for NOVM 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NOVM charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NOVM currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
NOVM and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7862 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, NOVM or VXUS?
NOVM has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NOVM or VXUS?
Over the past year NOVM returned +7.23% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NOVM annualized +6.60% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NOVM or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 2.7% for NOVM. Worst drawdown: NOVM -3.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both NOVM and VXUS?
NOVM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NOVM and VXUS?
NOVM and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NOVM or VXUS?
NOVM yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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