CAAA vs VTI
CAAA vs VTI
First Trust AAA CMBS 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 | CAAA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $35M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.29% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.88% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.91% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
CAAA vs VTI Performance
First Trust AAA CMBS ETF (CAAA) 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 CAAA returned +2.91% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, CAAA is up 0.88% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.0% for CAAA. 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 -2.2% for CAAA 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAAA charges 0.30% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAAA currently yields 5.29% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
CAAA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2831 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CAAA or VTI?
CAAA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CAAA or VTI?
Over the past year CAAA returned +2.91% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CAAA annualized +5.36% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CAAA or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.0% for CAAA. Worst drawdown: CAAA -2.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both CAAA and VTI?
CAAA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CAAA and VTI?
CAAA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2831 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAAA or VTI?
CAAA yields 5.29% while VTI yields 1.07%, so CAAA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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