SDVY vs VXUS
SDVY vs VXUS
First Trust SMID Cap Rising Dividend Achievers 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 | SDVY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $11.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.92% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 167 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +15.87% | +13.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.79% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.50% | +18.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.94% | +9.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.2% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SDVY vs VXUS Performance
First Trust SMID Cap Rising Dividend Achievers ETF (SDVY) 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 SDVY returned +24.79% while VXUS returned +28.53%. Year to date, SDVY is up 15.87% versus a gain of 13.65% for VXUS.
Over three years, SDVY compounded at +15.50% per year against +18.64% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.94% and +9.00% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SDVY has the edge at +10.86% annualized vs +4.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDVY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.1% 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 -45.2% for SDVY 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDVY charges 0.58% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $5 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDVY currently yields 0.92% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SDVY and VXUS share 1 holdings out of 8032 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 SDVY | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HBAN | 0.23% | 0.05% | 0.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDVY or VXUS?
SDVY has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDVY or VXUS?
Over the past year SDVY returned +24.79% vs +28.53% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SDVY annualized +10.86% vs +4.81% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDVY or VXUS?
SDVY has been the more volatile fund at 22.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SDVY -45.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SDVY and VXUS?
SDVY and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDVY and VXUS?
SDVY and VXUS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8032 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDVY or VXUS?
SDVY yields 0.92% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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