AFDM vs VXUS
First Trust Active Factor International ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, AFDM or VXUS?
AFDM has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AFDM led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFDM | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $149M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.47% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 178 | 8,844 |
| YTD Return | +11.55%Best | +10.00% |
| 1Y Return | +20.58%Best | +17.01% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.39%Best | +19.55% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.90%Best | +8.55% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,316Best | $15,071 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 14, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 14, 2016 to Oct 14, 2026 (10.5 years).
AFDM vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 10.5 years both funds cover.
AFDM vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Active Factor International ETF (AFDM) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFDM returned +20.58% while VXUS returned +17.01%. Year to date, AFDM is up 11.55% versus a gain of 10.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, AFDM compounded at +21.39% per year against +19.55% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.90% and +8.55% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, AFDM has the edge at +7.61% annualized vs +7.61%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.7% 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 -42.4% for AFDM and -39.9% for VXUS. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFDM charges 0.83% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $83 vs $5 annually, a gap of $78 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFDM currently yields 3.47% against 2.34% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 66.4% of AFDM's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 91.3% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
113 positions in common, counted across the 178 positions we hold weights for in AFDM and 8,425 in VXUS, against full books of 178 and 8,844.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AFDM | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASML:ASASML Holding NV - Ordinary Shares | 2.20% | 1.42% | 0.78% |
| BARC:LNBarclays Plc | 1.69% | 0.20% | 1.49% |
| BNP:PABnp Paribas Sa | 1.58% | 0.25% | 1.33% |
| NOVN:SMNovartis Ag Ordinary Shares | 1.13% | 0.62% | 0.51% |
| TD:CAToronto Dominion Bank/The | 1.17% | 0.44% | 0.73% |
| UNI:MAUnicaja Banco Sa Common | 1.49% | 0.03% | 1.46% |
| HSBA:LNHsbc Holdings Plc | 0.75% | 0.77% | 0.02% |
| RR:LNRolls-Royce Holdings PLC Ord Gbp0.20 | 1.13% | 0.37% | 0.76% |
| CFR:SMCie Financiere Richemo-A Reg | 1.05% | 0.28% | 0.77% |
| BNS:CABank Of Nova Scotia/The Common Stock | 1.00% | 0.25% | 0.75% |
66.4% of AFDM is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFDM or VXUS?
AFDM has an expense ratio of 0.83% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $78 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AFDM or VXUS?
Over the past year AFDM returned +20.58% vs +17.01% for VXUS, so AFDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), AFDM annualized +7.61% vs +7.61% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AFDM or VXUS?
AFDM has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.7% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AFDM -42.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both AFDM and VXUS?
AFDM and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between AFDM and VXUS?
At least 66.4% of AFDM's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 113 positions in common, counted across the 178 positions we hold weights for in AFDM and 8,425 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFDM or VXUS?
AFDM yields 3.47% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so AFDM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than AFDM?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AFDM led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.