FTKI vs VXUS
FTKI vs VXUS
First Trust Small Cap 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 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTKI | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $25M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.53% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 170 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +13.99% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.96% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2025 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FTKI vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) 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 FTKI returned +23.96% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FTKI is up 13.99% 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 10.3% for FTKI. 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 -15.2% for FTKI 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTKI charges 0.85% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $5 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTKI currently yields 12.53% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FTKI and VXUS share 10 holdings out of 7995 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTKI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAP:BM | 1.65% | 0.00% | 1.65% |
| EQX:CA | 1.31% | 0.03% | 1.28% |
| SSRM:CA | 1.26% | 0.01% | 1.25% |
| SLF:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ING:PL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TFPM:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FBK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PAC:MX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EFX:CA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ATAT:SH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTKI 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, FTKI or VXUS?
FTKI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTKI or VXUS?
Over the past year FTKI returned +23.96% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTKI annualized +13.38% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTKI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 10.3% for FTKI. Worst drawdown: FTKI -15.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FTKI and VXUS?
FTKI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTKI and VXUS?
FTKI and VXUS share 10 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7995 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTKI or VXUS?
FTKI yields 12.53% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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