RND vs VXUS
RND vs VXUS
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders 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 | RND | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $9M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +10.61% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.60% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 30, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
RND vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF (RND) 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 RND returned +21.60% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, RND is up 10.61% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -23.5% for RND 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RND charges 0.60% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $5 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RND currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
RND and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 7910 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RND | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORCL | 0.65% | 0.00% | 0.65% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RND or VXUS?
RND has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RND or VXUS?
Over the past year RND returned +21.60% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RND annualized +26.78% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RND or VXUS?
RND has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RND -23.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RND and VXUS?
RND and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RND and VXUS?
RND and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7910 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RND or VXUS?
RND yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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