FTBI vs VXUS
FTBI vs VXUS
First Trust Balanced 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTBI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $21M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.32% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.57% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.62% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTBI vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Balanced Income ETF (FTBI) 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 FTBI returned +13.62% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FTBI is up 7.57% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.2% for FTBI. 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 -5.3% for FTBI 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTBI charges 0.97% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $5 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTBI currently yields 7.32% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTBI and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7875 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, FTBI or VXUS?
FTBI has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTBI or VXUS?
Over the past year FTBI returned +13.62% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTBI annualized +15.80% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTBI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.2% for FTBI. Worst drawdown: FTBI -5.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTBI and VXUS?
FTBI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FTBI and VXUS?
FTBI and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7875 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTBI or VXUS?
FTBI yields 7.32% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FTBI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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