FAI vs VXUS
FAI vs VXUS
First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $153M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +31.63% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.02% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 20, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FAI vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) 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 FAI returned +48.02% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, FAI is up 31.63% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.5% 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 -27.8% for FAI 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAI charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAI currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FAI and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 7904 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FAI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:AS | 3.92% | 1.29% | 2.63% |
| ORCL | 3.63% | 0.00% | 3.63% |
| 2454:TW | 1.35% | 0.20% | 1.15% |
| SHOP:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BESI:AS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 4704:JP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings FAI 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, FAI or VXUS?
FAI has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAI or VXUS?
Over the past year FAI returned +48.02% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so FAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FAI annualized +41.43% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAI or VXUS?
FAI has been the more volatile fund at 31.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FAI -27.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FAI and VXUS?
FAI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FAI and VXUS?
FAI and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7904 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAI or VXUS?
FAI yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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