RFEM vs VXUS
First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, RFEM or VXUS?
RFEM has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. RFEM led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFEM | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.99% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $84M | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 119 | 8,747 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 10.2 years | $24,312Best | $23,528 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 14, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 12 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. RFEM has data through Sep 11, 2026 and VXUS through Sep 23, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 10.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 15, 2016 to Sep 11, 2026 (10.2 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 14.8% 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 -45.6% for RFEM and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFEM charges 0.99% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $5 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFEM currently yields 2.51% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 52.9% of RFEM's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
66 positions in common, counted across the 111 positions we hold weights for in RFEM and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 119 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RFEM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2454:TWMediatek, Inc. | 6.60% | 0.35% | 6.25% |
| 3037:TWUnimicron Technology Corp | 3.76% | 0.07% | 3.69% |
| 9988:HKAlibaba Group Holding Limited Ordinary Shares | 2.01% | 0.62% | 1.39% |
| 000270:KRKia Corp | 2.56% | 0.05% | 2.51% |
| ICT:PHIntl Container Term Svcs Php1 | 2.52% | 0.04% | 2.48% |
| 601398:SHIndustrial & Commercial Bank Of China Ltd | 2.09% | 0.17% | 1.92% |
| 3443:TWGlobal Unichip Corp | 1.78% | 0.02% | 1.76% |
| 3653:TWJentech Precision Industrial Co | 1.74% | 0.02% | 1.72% |
| POLI:ILBank Hapoalim B.M. Share | 1.35% | 0.07% | 1.28% |
| PKN:PLPolski Koncern Naftowy Orlen S.A. | 1.35% | 0.05% | 1.30% |
52.9% of RFEM is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFEM or VXUS?
RFEM has an expense ratio of 0.99% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $94 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, RFEM or VXUS?
RFEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.8% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RFEM -45.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RFEM and VXUS?
RFEM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between RFEM and VXUS?
At least 52.9% of RFEM's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 66 positions in common, counted across the 111 positions we hold weights for in RFEM and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFEM or VXUS?
RFEM yields 2.51% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so RFEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than RFEM?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. RFEM led over 1Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.90. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.