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VAWvsFXZETF Comparison
Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) and First Trust Materials AlphaDEX Fund ETF (FXZ) belong to the same industry segment: US Materials. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: and Materials. VAW is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.09%, versus 0.64% for FXZ. VAW is up 7.21% year-to-date (YTD) with -$116M in YTD flows. FXZ performs better with 17.4% YTD performance, and +$89M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of VAW and FXZ below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
VAW vs FXZ performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VAW FXZ | -7.88%-1.42% | +7.89%+17.49% | +7.21%+17.40% | +20.77%+39.85% | +36.89%+25.83% | +41.81%+48.71% |
| Flows | VAW FXZ | -$8M+$16M | -$136M+$89M | -$116M+$89M | -$166M+$24M | -$606M-$1.38B | -$535M+$186M |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VAW FXZ | +19.35%+22.74% | +21.06%+25.65% | +17.50%+21.83% | +19.64%+24.28% |
| Max drawdown | VAW FXZ | -8.85%-6.42% | -14.66%-17.78% | -23.20%-33.94% | -25.44%-33.94% |
| Max drawdown duration | VAW FXZ | 12d10d | 57d82d | 430d639d | 679d639d |
VAW | FXZ | |
Last sale 3/13/2026 at 1:30 PM | $222.36 | $74.00 |
| Previous close 03/12/2026 | $225.04 | $76.04 |
| Consolidated volume 03/12/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
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VAW | FXZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
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VAW | FXZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $222.36 | $74.00 |
| 1D performance | -1.19% | -2.68% |
| AuM | $2.92 B | $338.31 M |
| E/R | 0.09% | 0.64% |
VAW | FXZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | Vanguard | First Trust |
| Benchmark | MSCI US IMI Materials 25/50 Index | StrataQuant Materials Index |
| N° of holdings | 99 | 36 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | January 26, 2004 | May 8, 2007 |
| ESG | No | No |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the VAW and FXZ ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 13, 2026, VAW is up 7.21% year-to-date (YTD), while FXZ has returned 17.4%. That puts FXZ better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: VAW or FXZ?
Year-to-date, the VAW ETF saw -$116M in flows, compared to +$89M for FXZ.
Which ETF is more volatile: VAW or FXZ?
Over the past year, VAW had a volatility of 21.06%, while FXZ experienced 25.65%.
Which ETF is bigger: VAW or FXZ?
As of March 13, 2026, VAW holds $2.92 B in assets under management (AUM), while FXZ manages $338.31 M.
What sectors do the VAW and FXZ ETFs invest in?
VAW leans toward sectors like Materials. Meanwhile, FXZ focuses on Materials and Industrials.
What are the top holdings of the VAW ETF and FXZ ETF?
VAW top holdings include IE000S9YS762, NEWMONT CORP and FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC. FXZ holds in its top three: CF INDUSTRIES HOLDINGS, THE MOSAIC COMPANY and NEWMONT CORP.
Which ETF is more diversified: VAW or FXZ?
VAW holds 113 securities with 64.9% of its assets in the top 15. FXZ has 37 securities and a top 15 weight of 62.51%.
Tony's ETF Buyer's Guide: Sector ETFs (Vanguard versus State Street SPDR)
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