FXAIX vs VXUS
FXAIX vs VXUS
Fidelity 500 Index Fund vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
FXAIX has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7860 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXAIX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $594.0B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 1,009 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.90% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.27% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.72% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.80% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 4, 2011 | Jan 26, 2011 |
FXAIX vs VXUS Performance
Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX) is a mutual fund from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FXAIX returned +22.27% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, FXAIX is up 12.90% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, FXAIX compounded at +19.72% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.80% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, FXAIX has the edge at +11.80% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXAIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 15.1% 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 -25.4% for FXAIX 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXAIX charges 0.02% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $5 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXAIX currently yields 1.04% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
FXAIX and VXUS share 6 holdings out of 8359 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FXAIX | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.42% | 0.00% | 0.42% |
| SRE | 0.11% | 0.00% | 0.11% |
| HBAN | 0.06% | 0.05% | 0.01% |
| IRM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 6 holdings FXAIX 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, FXAIX or VXUS?
FXAIX has an expense ratio of 0.02% while VXUS charges 0.05%. FXAIX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXAIX or VXUS?
Over the past year FXAIX returned +22.27% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FXAIX annualized +11.80% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXAIX or VXUS?
FXAIX has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FXAIX -25.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FXAIX and VXUS?
FXAIX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXAIX and VXUS?
FXAIX and VXUS share 6 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8359 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXAIX or VXUS?
FXAIX yields 1.04% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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