AGQI vs VXUS
First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, AGQI or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | AGQI | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $53M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.69% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 77 | 8,844 |
| YTD Return | +9.21% | +10.00%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.72% | +17.01%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | +19.55%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +8.55% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.7%Best | 11.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -13.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 2.9 years | $15,146 | $16,436Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2015 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 21, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (2.9 years).
AGQI 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 2.9 years both funds cover.
AGQI vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF (AGQI) 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 AGQI returned +13.72% while VXUS returned +17.01%. Year to date, AGQI is up 9.21% versus a gain of 10.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, AGQI compounded at +15.39% per year against +19.55% for VXUS.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 11.3% compared with 9.7% for AGQI. 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 -14.1% for AGQI and -13.6% 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGQI 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, AGQI currently yields 1.69% against 2.34% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 24.5% of AGQI'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.
AGQI and VXUS share little of their money.
8 positions in common, counted across the 29 positions we hold weights for in AGQI and 8,425 in VXUS, against full books of 77 and 8,844.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AGQI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOOGAlphabet Inc. C | 3.91% | 0.00% | 3.91% |
| SU:PASchneider Electric | 3.51% | 0.40% | 3.11% |
| 6301:JPKomatsu Ltd | 3.52% | 0.09% | 3.43% |
| RIO:LNRio Tinto Plc Ordinary Shares | 3.21% | 0.23% | 2.98% |
| 6758:JPSony Group Corporation Ordinary Shares | 2.75% | 0.32% | 2.43% |
| BATS:LNBritish American Tobacco Plc Common Stock GBP 25 | 2.81% | 0.25% | 2.56% |
| 1299:HKAia Group Limited | 2.64% | 0.22% | 2.42% |
| 9433:JPKddi Corp | 2.19% | 0.11% | 2.08% |
24.5% of AGQI 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, AGQI or VXUS?
AGQI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $80 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AGQI or VXUS?
Over the past year AGQI returned +13.72% vs +17.01% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AGQI or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 11.3% annualized versus 9.7% for AGQI. Worst drawdown: AGQI -14.1% vs VXUS -13.6%.
Should I hold both AGQI and VXUS?
AGQI and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between AGQI and VXUS?
At least 24.5% of AGQI's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 8 positions in common, counted across the 29 positions we hold weights for in AGQI and 8,425 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGQI or VXUS?
AGQI yields 1.69% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than AGQI?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.