RFDI vs VXUS
First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Developed International ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, RFDI or VXUS?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. RFDI led over 1Y, VXUS over the full window. 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 | RFDI | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $168M | $163.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.08% | 2.34% |
| Holdings | 157 | 8,844 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 10.4 years | $22,157 | $22,458Best |
| 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: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 33 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. RFDI has data through Sep 11, 2026 and VXUS through Oct 14, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 10.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 14, 2016 to Sep 11, 2026 (10.4 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFDI 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 RFDI 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
RFDI 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, RFDI currently yields 3.08% against 2.34% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 67.5% of RFDI'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.
96 positions in common, counted across the 147 positions we hold weights for in RFDI and 8,425 in VXUS, against full books of 157 and 8,844.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RFDI | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSBA:LNHsbc Holdings Plc | 3.27% | 0.77% | 2.50% |
| 6857:JPAdvantest Corp | 3.66% | 0.33% | 3.33% |
| ASML:ASASML Holding NV - Ordinary Shares | 2.23% | 1.42% | 0.81% |
| NOVN:SMNovartis Ag Ordinary Shares | 2.02% | 0.62% | 1.40% |
| UBSG:SMUbs Group Ag Ordinary Shares | 1.99% | 0.37% | 1.62% |
| BARC:LNBarclays Plc | 1.93% | 0.20% | 1.73% |
| BNP:PABnp Paribas Sa | 1.87% | 0.25% | 1.62% |
| TTE:PATotalenergies Se | 1.66% | 0.37% | 1.29% |
| 8411:JPMizuho Financial Group Inc. Com Stk | 1.65% | 0.27% | 1.38% |
| BP:LNBp Plc Common Stock Gbp | 1.33% | 0.24% | 1.09% |
67.5% of RFDI 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, RFDI or VXUS?
RFDI 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 is riskier, RFDI or VXUS?
RFDI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.7% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: RFDI -42.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both RFDI and VXUS?
RFDI 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 RFDI and VXUS?
At least 67.5% of RFDI's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 96 positions in common, counted across the 147 positions we hold weights for in RFDI and 8,425 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFDI or VXUS?
RFDI yields 3.08% while VXUS yields 2.34%, so RFDI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than RFDI?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. RFDI led over 1Y, VXUS over the full window. 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.