MGOV vs VXUS
MGOV vs VXUS
First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities 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 | MGOV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $101M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.95% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 186 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -0.33% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.34% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.36% | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
MGOV vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Intermediate Government Opportunities ETF (MGOV) 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 MGOV returned +2.34% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, MGOV is down 0.33% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Over three years, MGOV compounded at +4.36% per year against +18.15% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.69% annualized vs +4.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 6.4% for MGOV. 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 -6.1% for MGOV 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MGOV charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MGOV currently yields 4.95% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
MGOV and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7929 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, MGOV or VXUS?
MGOV has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MGOV or VXUS?
Over the past year MGOV returned +2.34% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MGOV annualized +4.53% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MGOV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 6.4% for MGOV. Worst drawdown: MGOV -6.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both MGOV and VXUS?
MGOV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MGOV and VXUS?
MGOV and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7929 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MGOV or VXUS?
MGOV yields 4.95% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so MGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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