HUSV vs VXUS
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, HUSV or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HUSV led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
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 | HUSV | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $54M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.52% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 202 | 8,844 |
| YTD Return | +5.79% | +10.00%Best |
| 1Y Return | +3.42% | +17.01%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.84% | +19.55%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.65% | +8.55%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3%Best | 14.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7%Best | -39.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,163 | $15,071Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 24, 2016 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 25, 2016 to Oct 14, 2026 (10.1 years).
HUSV 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 10.1 years both funds cover.
HUSV vs VXUS Performance
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) 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 HUSV returned +3.42% while VXUS returned +17.01%. Year to date, HUSV is up 5.79% versus a gain of 10.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, HUSV compounded at +9.84% per year against +19.55% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +5.65% and +8.55% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, HUSV has the edge at +8.08% annualized vs +7.57%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% compared with 13.3% for HUSV. 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 -35.7% for HUSV 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HUSV charges 0.70% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $5 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HUSV currently yields 1.52% against 2.34% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 1.9% of HUSV'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.
HUSV and VXUS share little of their money.
1 positions in common, counted across the 101 positions we hold weights for in HUSV and 8,425 in VXUS, against full books of 202 and 8,844.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HUSV | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TELTE Connectivity PLC Common Stock | 1.85% | 0.00% | 1.85% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HUSV 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, HUSV or VXUS?
HUSV has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $65 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HUSV or VXUS?
Over the past year HUSV returned +3.42% vs +17.01% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), HUSV annualized +8.08% vs +7.57% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HUSV or VXUS?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 13.3% for HUSV. Worst drawdown: HUSV -35.7% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both HUSV and VXUS?
HUSV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, 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 HUSV and VXUS?
At least 1.9% of HUSV's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 1 positions in common, counted across the 101 positions we hold weights for in HUSV and 8,425 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, HUSV or VXUS?
HUSV yields 1.52% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than HUSV?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. HUSV led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.