AFLG vs VXUS
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, AFLG or VXUS?
AFLG has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AFLG led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | AFLG | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $803M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.71% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 435 | 8,844 |
| YTD Return | +14.82%Best | +10.00% |
| 1Y Return | +17.70%Best | +17.01% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.47%Best | +19.55% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.74%Best | +8.55% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 16.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -35.8% | -35.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,213Best | $15,071 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 4, 2019 to Oct 14, 2026 (6.9 years).
AFLG 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 6.9 years both funds cover.
AFLG vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) 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 AFLG returned +17.70% while VXUS returned +17.01%. Year to date, AFLG is up 14.82% versus a gain of 10.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, AFLG compounded at +22.47% per year against +19.55% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.74% and +8.55% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFLG has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +9.22%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 16.4% 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 -35.8% for AFLG and -35.1% 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFLG charges 0.55% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $5 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFLG currently yields 0.71% against 2.34% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 0.9% of AFLG'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.
We cannot see either book well enough to say how much of this pair is duplicated.
3 positions in common, counted across the 218 positions we hold weights for in AFLG and 8,425 in VXUS, against full books of 435 and 8,844.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AFLG and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFLG or VXUS?
AFLG has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $50 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AFLG or VXUS?
Over the past year AFLG returned +17.70% vs +17.01% for VXUS, so AFLG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFLG annualized +13.51% vs +9.22% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AFLG or VXUS?
AFLG has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 16.4% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: AFLG -35.8% vs VXUS -35.1%.
Should I hold both AFLG and VXUS?
AFLG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFLG or VXUS?
AFLG yields 0.71% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than AFLG?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. AFLG led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.