FLHY vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFLHYVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.40%0.03%
AUM$1.2B$663.5B
Dividend Yield6.53%1.07%
Holdings2633,543
YTD Return-1.29%+13.39%
1Y Return+1.43%+23.21%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.31%+20.65%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.63%+12.18%
Volatility (annualized)8.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-22.6%-56.6%
Fund FamilyFranklin Templeton Investments (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMay 30, 2018May 24, 2001

FLHY vs VTI Performance

Franklin High Yield Corporate ETF (FLHY) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLHY returned +1.43% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, FLHY is down 1.29% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.

Over three years, FLHY compounded at +7.31% per year against +20.65% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.63% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +5.22%. 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 8.2% for FLHY. 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 -22.6% for FLHY 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FLHY charges 0.40% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLHY currently yields 6.53% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

FLHY and VTI share 2 holdings out of 2994 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in FLHYWeight in VTIDifference
THC0.33%0.02%0.31%
BA0.11%0.23%0.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FLHY or VTI?

FLHY has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FLHY or VTI?

Over the past year FLHY returned +1.43% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FLHY annualized +5.22% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FLHY or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.2% for FLHY. Worst drawdown: FLHY -22.6% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both FLHY and VTI?

FLHY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FLHY and VTI?

FLHY and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2994 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FLHY or VTI?

FLHY yields 6.53% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FLHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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