FID vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FID (First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FID is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the S&P International Dividend Aristocrats Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FID returned 7.74%/yr vs 9.22%/yr for VXUS. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FID charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

FID vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FID achieves a 6.47% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 16.04% return.

FID

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: -1.40%
• YTD: 6.47%
• 6M: 7.25%
• 1Y: 20.11%
• 3Y*: 17.52%
• 5Y*: 7.74%
• 10Y*: —

VXUS

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: 3.54%
• YTD: 16.04%
• 6M: 16.58%
• 1Y: 34.50%
• 3Y*: 20.13%
• 5Y*: 9.22%
• 10Y*: 10.57%

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

FID vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FID First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF	6.47%	32.07%	5.42%	9.92%	-9.69%	12.90%	-7.56%	20.82%	-7.38%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	16.04%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-12.51%

Correlation

The correlation between FID and VXUS is 0.80, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2018	0.77

The correlation between FID and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.77 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

FID vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FID	VXUS
Financial Services	20.4%	21.7%
Utilities	16.3%	3.0%
Industrials	13.6%	15.6%
Communication Services	11.3%	4.4%
Real Estate	9.1%	2.4%
Energy	7.9%	4.7%
Technology	6.3%	21.0%
Basic Materials	4.4%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	3.8%	8.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.7%	4.8%
Healthcare	3.4%	6.8%

Return for Risk

FID vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FID

FID Risk / Return Rank: 55
FID Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FID Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
FID Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FID Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
FID Martin Ratio Rank: 48

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 67
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 70
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

FID vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FID	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	2.16	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.75	2.92	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.40	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.26	3.07	-0.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.81	11.84	-4.03

FID vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FID Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FID 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.

Drawdowns

FID vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FID drawdown since its inception was -39.79%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FID and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FID	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.79%	-35.97%	-3.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.93%	-11.27%	+2.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.97%	-13.58%	+2.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.13%	-29.44%	+0.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.02%	0.00%	-3.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.43%	-8.20%	-0.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	2.92%	-0.34%

Volatility

FID vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) is 3.34%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 6.28%. This indicates that FID 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

	FID	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.34%	6.28%	-2.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.54%	14.10%	-5.56%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.31%	16.08%	-5.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.05%	16.21%	+0.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.93%	17.18%	+1.75%

FID vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FID has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio.

Dividends

FID vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

FID's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.10%, more than VXUS's 2.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FID First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF	4.10%	4.30%	4.31%	4.19%	4.22%	3.76%	3.91%	3.70%	1.74%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.51%	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 FID and VXUS in my portfolio?

FID and VXUS have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FID or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.28%) compared to FID (3.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FID dropped -39.79% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, FID or VXUS?

On 5-year performance, VXUS leads with 9.22% vs 7.74% for FID. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, FID has been the lower-risk option at 3.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FID or VXUS?

Over the 5-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 9.22% return vs 7.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FID or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FID.

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

FID has the higher dividend yield at 4.10%, compared with 2.51% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between FID and VXUS?

FID is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while VXUS is Global Equities. FID tracks S&P International Dividend Aristocrats Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FID and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.96), 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.