RFEU vs VXUS
First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. RFEU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFEU | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $8M | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.64% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 91 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +1.15% | +14.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.40% | +25.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.10% | +19.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.58% | +9.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.9% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 14, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RFEU vs VXUS Performance
First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU) 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 RFEU returned +28.40% while VXUS returned +25.63%. Year to date, RFEU is up 1.15% versus a gain of 14.98% for VXUS.
Over three years, RFEU compounded at +13.10% per year against +19.65% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +6.58% and +9.30% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, RFEU has the edge at +7.60% annualized vs +4.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -42.9% for RFEU 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFEU charges 0.83% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $83 vs $5 annually, a gap of $78 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFEU currently yields 4.64% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RFEU and VXUS share 50 holdings out of 7905 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFEU or VXUS?
RFEU has an expense ratio of 0.83% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $78 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFEU or VXUS?
Over the past year RFEU returned +28.40% vs +25.63% for VXUS, so RFEU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RFEU annualized +7.60% vs +4.87% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFEU or VXUS?
RFEU has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RFEU -42.9% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RFEU and VXUS?
RFEU and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between RFEU and VXUS?
RFEU and VXUS share 50 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7905 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFEU or VXUS?
RFEU yields 4.64% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so RFEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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