SCIO vs VXUS
SCIO vs VXUS
First Trust Structured Credit Income 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 | SCIO | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $498M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.03% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +2.02% | +11.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.13% | +26.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 15.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SCIO vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF (SCIO) 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 SCIO returned +4.13% while VXUS returned +26.65%. Year to date, SCIO is up 2.02% versus a gain of 11.69% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 2.5% for SCIO. 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 -1.7% for SCIO 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCIO charges 0.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $5 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCIO currently yields 6.03% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SCIO and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7898 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, SCIO or VXUS?
SCIO has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCIO or VXUS?
Over the past year SCIO returned +4.13% vs +26.65% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCIO annualized +7.40% vs +4.69% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCIO or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 2.5% for SCIO. Worst drawdown: SCIO -1.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SCIO and VXUS?
SCIO and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCIO and VXUS?
SCIO and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7898 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCIO or VXUS?
SCIO yields 6.03% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SCIO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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