FGSM vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FGSM (Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both Global Equities funds. FGSM is actively managed, while VXUS is passively managed. Over the past year, FGSM returned 33.31% vs 31.38% for VXUS. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FGSM charges 0.90%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

FGSM vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FGSM having a 15.03% return and VXUS slightly lower at 14.45%.

FGSM

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: 2.18%
• YTD: 15.03%
• 6M: 15.76%
• 1Y: 33.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 3.40%
• YTD: 14.45%
• 6M: 16.87%
• 1Y: 31.38%
• 3Y*: 19.55%
• 5Y*: 8.49%
• 10Y*: 9.69%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FGSM vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	15.03%	21.33%	0.24%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	14.45%	32.35%	0.08%

Correlation

The correlation between FGSM and VXUS is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 2024	0.83

The correlation between FGSM and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FGSM vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FGSM

FGSM Risk / Return Rank: 70
FGSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
FGSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
FGSM Omega Ratio Rank: 67
FGSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
FGSM Martin Ratio Rank: 72

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 62
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 64
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FGSM vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	FGSM	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	2.08	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	2.85	+0.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.38	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.40	2.80	+0.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.20	10.92	+2.28
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FGSM vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGSM Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGSM and VXUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FGSM	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26	2.08	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.53	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.48	0.39	+1.09

Drawdowns

FGSM vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGSM drawdown since its inception was -17.72%, smaller than the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGSM and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGSM	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.72%	-35.97%	+18.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.84%	-11.27%	+1.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.58%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.44%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.82%	+0.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.21%	-8.22%	+6.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.53%	2.88%	-0.35%

Volatility

FGSM vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) is 4.18%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 5.46%. This indicates that FGSM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FGSM	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.18%	5.46%	-1.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.05%	13.00%	-1.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.81%	15.20%	-0.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.80%	16.04%	+1.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.80%	17.15%	+0.65%

FGSM vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FGSM has a 0.90% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FGSM vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

FGSM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.35%, less than VXUS's 2.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGSM Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF	1.35%	1.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.65%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FGSM and VXUS in my portfolio?

FGSM and VXUS have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FGSM or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (5.46%) compared to FGSM (4.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGSM dropped -17.72% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, FGSM or VXUS?

On 1-year performance, FGSM leads with 33.31% vs 31.38% for VXUS. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, FGSM has been the lower-risk option at 4.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGSM or VXUS?

Over the 1-year period, FGSM has performed better with a 33.31% return vs 31.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGSM or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.90% for FGSM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FGSM or VXUS?

VXUS has the higher dividend yield at 2.65%, compared with 1.35% for FGSM.

What is the main difference between FGSM and VXUS?

They also come from different issuers: Frontier and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.90% for FGSM and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 2.08), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.