FSIG vs VXUS
First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FSIG or VXUS?
VXUS has been ahead.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS 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 | FSIG | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.5B | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.94% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 649 | 8,844 |
| YTD Return | -0.35% | +10.00%Best |
| 1Y Return | +0.16% | +17.01%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.87% | +19.55%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.35% | +8.55%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3%Best | 15.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -6.9%Best | -28.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,232 | $15,071Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2021 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 18, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (4.9 years).
FSIG 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 4.9 years both funds cover.
FSIG vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FSIG) 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 FSIG returned +0.16% while VXUS returned +17.01%. Year to date, FSIG is down 0.35% versus a gain of 10.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, FSIG compounded at +4.87% per year against +19.55% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.35% and +8.55% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 3.3% for FSIG. 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 -6.9% for FSIG and -28.4% 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSIG charges 0.44% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $5 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSIG currently yields 4.94% against 2.34% for VXUS.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FSIG 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, FSIG or VXUS?
FSIG has an expense ratio of 0.44% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $39 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FSIG or VXUS?
Over the past year FSIG returned +0.16% 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, FSIG or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 3.3% for FSIG. Worst drawdown: FSIG -6.9% vs VXUS -28.4%.
Should I hold both FSIG and VXUS?
FSIG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, 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, FSIG or VXUS?
FSIG yields 4.94% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so FSIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FSIG?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS 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.