TDIV vs VXUS
First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. TDIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TDIV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.5B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 96 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.63% | +15.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.43% | +26.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.19% | +20.35% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.78% | +9.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
TDIV vs VXUS Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV) 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 TDIV returned +27.43% while VXUS returned +26.73%. Year to date, TDIV is up 20.63% versus a gain of 15.52% for VXUS.
Over three years, TDIV compounded at +28.19% per year against +20.35% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +16.78% and +9.40% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, TDIV has the edge at +14.22% annualized vs +4.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TDIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -32.0% for TDIV 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TDIV charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TDIV currently yields 1.37% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
TDIV and VXUS share 13 holdings out of 7950 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TDIV or VXUS?
TDIV has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TDIV or VXUS?
Over the past year TDIV returned +27.43% vs +26.73% for VXUS, so TDIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), TDIV annualized +14.22% vs +4.90% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TDIV or VXUS?
TDIV has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: TDIV -32.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both TDIV and VXUS?
TDIV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TDIV and VXUS?
TDIV and VXUS share 13 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7950 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TDIV or VXUS?
TDIV yields 1.37% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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