RCTR vs VXUS
First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power 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 | RCTR | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $26M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.40% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.47% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.17% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RCTR vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) 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 RCTR returned +11.17% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, RCTR is up 2.47% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RCTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -19.0% for RCTR 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RCTR charges 0.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $5 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RCTR currently yields 0.40% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RCTR and VXUS share 21 holdings out of 7885 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RCTR or VXUS?
RCTR has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RCTR or VXUS?
Over the past year RCTR returned +11.17% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RCTR annualized +13.52% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RCTR or VXUS?
RCTR has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RCTR -19.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RCTR and VXUS?
RCTR and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RCTR and VXUS?
RCTR and VXUS share 21 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7885 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RCTR or VXUS?
RCTR yields 0.40% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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