FREL vs VXUS
FREL vs VXUS
Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index 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 | FREL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.29% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.87% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.65% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.85% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.26% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 2, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FREL vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FREL returned +13.65% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, FREL is up 13.87% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, FREL compounded at +9.85% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.26% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.81% annualized vs +3.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FREL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -43.5% for FREL 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FREL charges 0.08% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $5 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FREL currently yields 3.29% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FREL or VXUS?
FREL has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FREL or VXUS?
Over the past year FREL returned +13.65% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FREL annualized +3.40% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FREL or VXUS?
FREL has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FREL -43.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FREL and VXUS?
FREL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FREL and VXUS?
FREL and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7985 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FREL or VXUS?
FREL yields 3.29% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FREL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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