FAB vs VXUS
FAB vs VXUS
First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FAB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $168M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.59% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 676 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +19.05% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.61% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.53% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.27% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FAB vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FAB) 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 FAB returned +31.61% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, FAB is up 19.05% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, FAB compounded at +14.53% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.27% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FAB has the edge at +7.34% annualized vs +4.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% compared with 15.0% 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 -64.3% for FAB 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAB charges 0.66% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $5 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAB currently yields 1.59% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FAB and VXUS share 7 holdings out of 8517 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FAB | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBAN | 0.25% | 0.05% | 0.20% |
| SIG:LN | 0.10% | 0.02% | 0.08% |
| KR | 0.09% | 0.00% | 0.09% |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CASH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FBK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SCL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 7 holdings FAB shares with VXUS Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAB or VXUS?
FAB has an expense ratio of 0.66% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAB or VXUS?
Over the past year FAB returned +31.61% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so FAB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FAB annualized +7.34% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAB or VXUS?
FAB has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FAB -64.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FAB and VXUS?
FAB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FAB and VXUS?
FAB and VXUS share 7 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAB or VXUS?
FAB yields 1.59% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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