SDVD vs VXUS
SDVD vs VXUS
FT Vest SMID Rising Dividend Achievers Target 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 | SDVD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $886M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.25% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 168 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.11% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.65% | +27.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.30% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.1% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 9, 2023 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SDVD vs VXUS Performance
FT Vest SMID Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF (SDVD) 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 SDVD returned +19.65% while VXUS returned +27.42%. Year to date, SDVD is up 12.11% versus a gain of 13.40% for VXUS.
Over three years, SDVD compounded at +6.30% per year against +18.54% for VXUS. Across the full 3-year window we track, SDVD has the edge at +6.30% annualized vs +4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDVD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.4% 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 -29.1% for SDVD 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
SDVD 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, SDVD currently yields 8.25% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SDVD and VXUS share 2 holdings out of 8032 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDVD or VXUS?
SDVD 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, SDVD or VXUS?
Over the past year SDVD returned +19.65% vs +27.42% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SDVD annualized +6.30% vs +4.79% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDVD or VXUS?
SDVD has been the more volatile fund at 22.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SDVD -29.1% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SDVD and VXUS?
SDVD 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 SDVD and VXUS?
SDVD and VXUS share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8032 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDVD or VXUS?
SDVD yields 8.25% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SDVD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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