FNX vs VXUS
FNX vs VXUS
First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund 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 | FNX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 451 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.76% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.36% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.21% | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FNX vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FNX) 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 FNX returned +27.36% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, FNX is up 15.76% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, FNX compounded at +15.21% per year against +18.63% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +9.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FNX has the edge at +9.00% annualized vs +4.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -57.6% for FNX 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNX charges 0.62% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $5 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNX currently yields 0.83% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FNX and VXUS share 5 holdings out of 8304 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 FNX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLXY | 0.34% | 0.01% | 0.33% |
| H:CA | 0.29% | 0.03% | 0.26% |
| ESE | 0.29% | 0.00% | 0.29% |
| AM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EGP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings FNX 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, FNX or VXUS?
FNX has an expense ratio of 0.62% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNX or VXUS?
Over the past year FNX returned +27.36% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FNX annualized +9.00% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNX or VXUS?
FNX has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FNX -57.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FNX and VXUS?
FNX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNX and VXUS?
FNX and VXUS share 5 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8304 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNX or VXUS?
FNX yields 0.83% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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