FT vs VXUS
FT vs VXUS
Franklin Universal Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
FT has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FT | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $212M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.73% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 704 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.08% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.56% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.28% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.71% | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 1988 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FT vs VXUS Performance
Franklin Universal Trust (FT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FT returned +6.56% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, FT is up 2.08% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, FT compounded at +12.28% per year against +18.15% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.71% and +8.66% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.69% annualized vs +0.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -70.3% for FT 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FT charges 0.00% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $5 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FT currently yields 5.73% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FT and VXUS share 3 holdings out of 8164 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FT or VXUS?
FT has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VXUS charges 0.05%. FT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FT or VXUS?
Over the past year FT returned +6.56% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FT annualized +0.78% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FT or VXUS?
FT has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FT -70.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FT and VXUS?
FT and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FT and VXUS?
FT and VXUS share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8164 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FT or VXUS?
FT yields 5.73% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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