VAWvsFXZETF Comparison
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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 12.42% year-to-date (YTD) with -$80M in YTD flows. FXZ performs better with 24.42% YTD performance, and +$125M 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.
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VAW vs FXZ performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 04/28/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VAW FXZ | +5.54%+8.96% | +1.10%+8.61% | +12.42%+24.42% | +28.70%+53.35% | +38.51%+36.31% | +38.87%+50.80% |
| Flows | VAW FXZ | +$62M+$28M | +$57M+$93M | -$80M+$125M | +$22M+$84M | -$500M-$1.30B | -$776M+$123M |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VAW FXZ | +21.46%+25.45% | +17.13%+21.33% | +17.51%+21.80% | +19.69%+24.34% |
| Max drawdown | VAW FXZ | -13.41%-12.79% | -13.41%-12.79% | -23.20%-33.94% | -25.44%-33.94% |
| Max drawdown duration | VAW FXZ | 58d36d | 58d36d | 430d639d | 679d639d |
Trading data
VAW | FXZ | |
Last sale 4/29/2026 at 1:30 PM | $229.57 | $78.35 |
| Previous close 04/28/2026 | $232.37 | $79.39 |
| Consolidated volume 04/28/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of March 31, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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VAW | FXZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 4/29/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
VAW | FXZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $229.57 | $78.35 |
| 1D performance | -1.20% | -1.31% |
| AuM | $3.08 B | $393.53 M |
| E/R | 0.09% | 0.64% |
Characteristics
VAW | FXZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | Vanguard | First Trust |
| Benchmark | MSCI US IMI Materials 25/50 Index | StrataQuant Materials Index |
| N° of holdings | 98 | 36 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | January 26, 2004 | May 8, 2007 |
| ESG | No | No |
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Exposure
Countries
VAW
USA
72.51%
Ireland
21.11%
Other
6.38%
FXZ
USA
91.25%
Other
8.75%
Sectors
VAW
Materials
77.69%
Other
22.31%
FXZ
Materials
78.33%
Industrials
14.16%
Other
7.51%
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Diversification
VAW
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
64.3%
FXZ
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
63.02%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of March 31, 2026
VAW
IE000S9YS762
15.14%
NEWMONT CORP
7.73%
FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC
5.52%
SHERWIN WILLIAMS
4.94%
CRH PLC
4.61%
ECOLAB
4.44%
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS
4.05%
CORTEVA INC
3.70%
NUCOR
2.53%
VULCAN MATERIALS
2.35%
MARTIN MARIETTA
2.32%
DOW INC
1.94%
CH1430134226
1.82%
STEEL DYNAMICS
1.63%
PPG INDUSTRIES
1.57%
FXZ
CF INDUSTRIES HOLDINGS
6.61%
ALCOA CORP
5.40%
GB00BRXH2664
4.92%
EASTMAN CHEMICAL
4.74%
NEWMONT CORP
4.55%
OLIN
4.49%
THE MOSAIC COMPANY
4.39%
STEEL DYNAMICS
4.31%
RBC BEARINGS
3.93%
TIMKEN
3.88%
NUCOR
3.40%
RELIANCE STEEL
3.40%
MUELLER INDUSTRIES
3.13%
NEWMARKET
2.97%
ELEMENT SOLUTIONS INC
2.90%
Frequently asked questions about VAW and FXZ
How have the VAW and FXZ ETFs performed in 2026?
As of April 28, 2026, VAW is up 12.42% year-to-date (YTD), while FXZ has returned 24.42%. 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 -$80M in flows, compared to +$125M for FXZ.
Which ETF is more volatile: VAW or FXZ?
Over the past year, VAW had a volatility of 17.13%, while FXZ experienced 21.33%.
Which ETF is bigger: VAW or FXZ?
As of April 28, 2026, VAW holds $3.08 B in assets under management (AUM), while FXZ manages $393.53 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, ALCOA CORP and GB00BRXH2664.
Which ETF is more diversified: VAW or FXZ?
VAW holds 112 securities with 64.3% of its assets in the top 15. FXZ has 37 securities and a top 15 weight of 63.02%.
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Latest news about VAW & FXZ
Tony's ETF Buyer's Guide: Sector ETFs (Vanguard versus State Street SPDR)
December 1, 2023
VAW
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