FAB vs VTI
FAB vs VTI
First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FAB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAB | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $168M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.59% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 676 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.46% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.77% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.50% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.32% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FAB vs VTI Performance
First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FAB) 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 FAB returned +31.77% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, FAB is up 19.46% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, FAB compounded at +14.50% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.32% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +7.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -64.3% for FAB 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAB charges 0.66% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $3 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAB currently yields 1.59% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FAB and VTI share 527 holdings out of 2920 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FAB | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRK.B | 0.43% | 1.24% | 0.81% |
| XOM | 0.40% | 0.78% | 0.38% |
| CVX | 0.41% | 0.43% | 0.02% |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DIS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FAB 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, FAB or VTI?
FAB has an expense ratio of 0.66% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAB or VTI?
Over the past year FAB returned +31.77% vs +24.16% for VTI, so FAB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FAB annualized +7.36% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAB or VTI?
FAB has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FAB -64.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FAB and VTI?
FAB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FAB and VTI?
FAB and VTI share 527 common holdings with a 13.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2920 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAB or VTI?
FAB yields 1.59% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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