FTA vs VTI
FTA vs VTI
First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FTA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 189 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.98% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.17% | +23.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.74% | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.13% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FTA vs VTI Performance
First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) 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 FTA returned +31.17% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, FTA is up 17.98% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.
Over three years, FTA compounded at +15.74% per year against +20.65% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.13% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +7.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -63.8% for FTA 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTA charges 0.58% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTA currently yields 1.67% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTA and VTI share 172 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTA | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRK.B | 0.86% | 1.24% | 0.38% |
| XOM | 0.79% | 0.78% | 0.01% |
| CVX | 0.81% | 0.43% | 0.38% |
| T | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PYPL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ACN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TRV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DIS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTA 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, FTA or VTI?
FTA has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTA or VTI?
Over the past year FTA returned +31.17% vs +23.21% for VTI, so FTA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FTA annualized +7.16% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTA or VTI?
FTA has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FTA -63.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTA and VTI?
FTA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FTA and VTI?
FTA and VTI share 172 common holdings with a 14.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTA or VTI?
FTA yields 1.67% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.