AFLG vs VTI
AFLG vs VTI
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFLG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $702M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 219 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.98% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.88% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.64% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.71% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
AFLG vs VTI Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFLG returned +22.88% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, AFLG is up 14.98% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, AFLG compounded at +21.64% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.71% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFLG has the edge at +13.94% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -35.8% for AFLG and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFLG charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFLG currently yields 0.70% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AFLG and VTI share 194 holdings out of 2804 unique holdings combined, representing a 44.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AFLG | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.57% | 6.32% | 1.25% |
| AAPL | 6.83% | 5.84% | 0.99% |
| GOOGL | 5.51% | 2.88% | 2.63% |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings AFLG shares with VTI Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFLG or VTI?
AFLG has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFLG or VTI?
Over the past year AFLG returned +22.88% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFLG annualized +13.94% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFLG or VTI?
AFLG has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AFLG -35.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AFLG and VTI?
AFLG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AFLG and VTI?
AFLG and VTI share 194 common holdings with a 44.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2804 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFLG or VTI?
AFLG yields 0.70% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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