FT vs VTI
FT vs VTI
Franklin Universal Trust vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
FT has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $212M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.73% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 704 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +2.08% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.16% | +24.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.35% | +20.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.00% | +12.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 1988 | May 24, 2001 |
FT vs VTI Performance
Franklin Universal Trust (FT) 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 FT returned +6.16% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, FT is up 2.08% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.
Over three years, FT compounded at +12.35% per year against +20.73% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.00% and +12.24% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.12% annualized vs +0.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -70.3% for FT 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FT charges 0.00% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FT currently yields 5.73% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FT and VTI share 28 holdings out of 3062 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FT | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 4.74% | 0.25% | 4.49% |
| SRE | 3.81% | 0.08% | 3.73% |
| ETR | 2.82% | 0.08% | 2.74% |
| EVRG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LNT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DUK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CNP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CMS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FT 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, FT or VTI?
FT has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VTI charges 0.03%. FT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FT or VTI?
Over the past year FT returned +6.16% vs +24.23% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), FT annualized +0.78% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FT or VTI?
FT has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FT -70.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FT and VTI?
FT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FT and VTI?
FT and VTI share 28 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3062 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FT or VTI?
FT yields 5.73% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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