RDVY vs VXUS
RDVY vs VXUS
First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. RDVY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RDVY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $24.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.93% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.31% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.62% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.13% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RDVY vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF (RDVY) 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 RDVY returned +32.62% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, RDVY is up 19.31% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, RDVY compounded at +21.13% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.28% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, RDVY has the edge at +12.76% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RDVY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -40.6% for RDVY 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RDVY charges 0.47% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $5 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RDVY currently yields 0.93% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RDVY and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7932 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, RDVY or VXUS?
RDVY has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RDVY or VXUS?
Over the past year RDVY returned +32.62% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so RDVY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), RDVY annualized +12.76% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RDVY or VXUS?
RDVY has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RDVY -40.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RDVY and VXUS?
RDVY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RDVY and VXUS?
RDVY and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7932 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RDVY or VXUS?
RDVY yields 0.93% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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