FIXD vs VTI
FIXD vs VTI
First Trust Smith Opportunistic Fixed Income 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 | FIXD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.68% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 446 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.08% | +13.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.20% | +24.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.99% | +20.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.89% | +12.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
FIXD vs VTI Performance
First Trust Smith Opportunistic Fixed Income ETF (FIXD) 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 FIXD returned +2.20% while VTI returned +24.07%. Year to date, FIXD is down 0.08% versus a gain of 13.92% for VTI.
Over three years, FIXD compounded at +3.99% per year against +20.88% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -0.89% and +12.47% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +0.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.7% for FIXD. 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 -21.8% for FIXD 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FIXD charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIXD currently yields 4.68% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FIXD and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3104 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, FIXD or VTI?
FIXD has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FIXD or VTI?
Over the past year FIXD returned +2.20% vs +24.07% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FIXD annualized +0.51% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FIXD or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.7% for FIXD. Worst drawdown: FIXD -21.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FIXD and VTI?
FIXD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FIXD and VTI?
FIXD and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIXD or VTI?
FIXD yields 4.68% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FIXD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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