FXZvsVAWETF Comparison
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First Trust Materials AlphaDEX Fund ETF (FXZ) and Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) belong to the same industry segment: US Materials. FXZ's top 2 sector exposures are Non-Energy Materials and Industrials. In contrast, VAW's top sector exposures are Non-Energy Materials, Energy and Industrials. FXZ is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.64%, versus 0.09% for VAW. FXZ is up 34.56% year-to-date (YTD) with +$114M in YTD flows. VAW performs worse with 14.66% YTD performance, and -$146M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of FXZ and VAW below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
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FXZ vs VAW performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 09/03/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | FXZ VAW | +11.32%+4.40% | +3.71%+1.34% | +34.56%+14.66% | +45.08%+16.69% | +38.57%+37.32% | +61.21%+37.95% |
| Flows | FXZ VAW | -$3M-$86M | -$39M-$48M | +$114M-$146M | +$99M-$167M | -$203M-$681M | +$19M-$1.34B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | FXZ VAW | +23.67%+20.36% | +22.89%+18.95% | +22.19%+18.05% | +24.34%+19.86% |
| Max drawdown | FXZ VAW | -11.21%-6.63% | -12.79%-13.41% | -33.94%-23.20% | -33.94%-25.44% |
| Max drawdown duration | FXZ VAW | 60d52d | 36d186d | 639d430d | 639d679d |
Trading data
FXZ | VAW | |
Last sale 9/4/2026 at 4:21 PM | $86.36 | $236.17 |
| Previous close 09/03/2026 | $86.63 | $236.13 |
| Consolidated volume 09/03/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of August 31, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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FXZ | VAW | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 9/4/2026 at 4:21 PM
Live
Closed
FXZ | VAW | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $86.36 | $236.17 |
| 1D performance | -0.32% | +0.01% |
| AuM | $411.72 M | $3.06 B |
| E/R | 0.64% | 0.09% |
Characteristics
FXZ | VAW | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | First Trust | Vanguard |
| Benchmark | StrataQuant Materials Index | MSCI US IMI Materials 25/50 Index |
| N° of holdings | 39 | 110 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | May 8, 2007 | January 26, 2004 |
| ESG | No | No |
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Exposure
Countries
FXZ
USA
96.37%
Other
3.63%
VAW
USA
79.91%
United Kingdom
16.17%
Other
3.92%
Sectors
FXZ
Non-Energy Materi.
95.28%
Other
4.72%
VAW
Non-Energy Materi.
99%
Other
1%
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Diversification
FXZ
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
61.46%
VAW
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
66.06%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of July 31, 2026
FXZ
Anglogold Ashanti Plc
6.22%
Newmont Corp.
5.97%
Coeur Mining, Inc.
5.65%
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
5.06%
Almonty Industries, Inc.
4.67%
Alcoa Corp.
4.23%
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
4.17%
Eastman Chemical Co.
3.37%
The Mosaic Co.
3.37%
Nucor Corp.
3.30%
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.
3.22%
Aura Minerals, Inc.
3.16%
Hecla Mining Co.
3.09%
Mueller Industries, Inc.
3.08%
Royal Gold, Inc.
2.90%
VAW
Linde Plc
15.08%
Newmont Corp.
6.88%
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
6.12%
The Sherwin-Williams Co.
5.45%
Ecolab, Inc.
4.80%
CRH Plc
4.33%
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
4.06%
Nucor Corp.
3.89%
Corteva, Inc.
3.59%
Vulcan Materials Co.
2.38%
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
2.35%
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
2.15%
PPG Industries, Inc.
1.68%
Amrize Ltd.
1.66%
Smurfit WestRock Plc
1.64%
Frequently asked questions about FXZ and VAW
How have the FXZ and VAW ETFs performed in 2026?
As of September 3, 2026, FXZ is up 34.56% year-to-date (YTD), while VAW has returned 14.66%. That puts FXZ better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: FXZ or VAW?
Year-to-date, the FXZ ETF saw +$114M in flows, compared to -$146M for VAW.
Which ETF is more volatile: FXZ or VAW?
Over the past year, FXZ had a volatility of 22.89%, while VAW experienced 18.95%.
Which ETF is bigger: FXZ or VAW?
As of September 3, 2026, FXZ holds $411.72 M in assets under management (AUM), while VAW manages $3.06 B.
What sectors do the FXZ and VAW ETFs invest in?
FXZ leans toward sectors like Non-Energy Materials. Meanwhile, VAW focuses on Non-Energy Materials.
What are the top holdings of the FXZ ETF and VAW ETF?
FXZ top holdings include Anglogold Ashanti Plc, Newmont Corp. and Coeur Mining, Inc.. VAW holds in its top three: Linde Plc, Newmont Corp. and Freeport-McMoRan, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: FXZ or VAW?
FXZ holds 39 securities with 61.46% of its assets in the top 15. VAW has 110 securities and a top 15 weight of 66.06%.
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Latest news about FXZ & VAW
Tony's ETF Buyer's Guide: Sector ETFs (Vanguard versus State Street SPDR)
December 1, 2023
VAW
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