FTHI vs VXUS
FTHI vs VXUS
First Trust BuyWrite 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 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTHI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.76% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 208 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +6.48% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.05% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.73% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.22% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTHI vs VXUS Performance
First Trust BuyWrite Income ETF (FTHI) 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 FTHI returned +13.05% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, FTHI is up 6.48% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, FTHI compounded at +13.73% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.22% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, FTHI has the edge at +5.02% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 11.5% for FTHI. 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 -35.5% for FTHI 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTHI charges 0.76% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $5 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTHI currently yields 8.76% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTHI and VXUS share 18 holdings out of 8010 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTHI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 1.22% | 0.00% | 1.22% |
| RY:CA | 0.26% | 0.53% | 0.27% |
| CLS:CA | 0.69% | 0.07% | 0.62% |
| RD:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SANB11:BV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ENB:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FP:PA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BNS:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BMO:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTHI 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, FTHI or VXUS?
FTHI has an expense ratio of 0.76% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTHI or VXUS?
Over the past year FTHI returned +13.05% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTHI annualized +5.02% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTHI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.5% for FTHI. Worst drawdown: FTHI -35.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTHI and VXUS?
FTHI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTHI and VXUS?
FTHI and VXUS share 18 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8010 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTHI or VXUS?
FTHI yields 8.76% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FTHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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