FTCB vs VXUS
FTCB vs VXUS
First Trust Core Investment Grade 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 | FTCB | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +0.22% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.53% | +28.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTCB vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) 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 FTCB returned +2.53% while VXUS returned +28.78%. Year to date, FTCB is up 0.22% versus a gain of 13.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 5.1% for FTCB. 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 -5.0% for FTCB 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $5 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 8191 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, FTCB or VXUS?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or VXUS?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.53% vs +28.78% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.83% vs +4.80% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTCB and VXUS?
FTCB and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and VXUS?
FTCB and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8191 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or VXUS?
FTCB yields 5.24% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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