FIXD vs VXUS
FIXD vs VXUS
First Trust Smith Opportunistic Fixed Income ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FIXD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.68% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 446 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.49% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.78% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.82% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.97% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FIXD vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Smith Opportunistic Fixed Income ETF (FIXD) 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 FIXD returned +1.78% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, FIXD is down 0.49% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, FIXD compounded at +3.82% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are -0.97% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.69% annualized vs +0.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 5.7% for FIXD. 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 -21.8% for FIXD 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FIXD 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, FIXD currently yields 4.68% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FIXD and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8181 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FIXD or VXUS?
FIXD 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, FIXD or VXUS?
Over the past year FIXD returned +1.78% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FIXD annualized +0.46% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FIXD or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 5.7% for FIXD. Worst drawdown: FIXD -21.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FIXD and VXUS?
FIXD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FIXD and VXUS?
FIXD and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8181 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIXD or VXUS?
FIXD yields 4.68% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FIXD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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