FTC vs VTI
FTC vs VTI
First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund 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 | FTC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.18% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 188 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.23% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.57% | +23.21% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.62% | +20.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.08% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FTC vs VTI Performance
First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FTC) 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 FTC returned +16.57% while VTI returned +23.21%. Year to date, FTC is up 12.23% versus a gain of 13.39% for VTI.
Over three years, FTC compounded at +21.62% per year against +20.65% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.08% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FTC has the edge at +9.96% annualized vs +8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -54.5% for FTC 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTC 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, FTC currently yields 0.18% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTC and VTI share 180 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTC | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 0.56% | 6.32% | 5.76% |
| AAPL | 0.60% | 5.84% | 5.24% |
| AMZN | 0.56% | 3.17% | 2.61% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTC 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, FTC or VTI?
FTC 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, FTC or VTI?
Over the past year FTC returned +16.57% vs +23.21% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FTC annualized +9.96% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTC or VTI?
FTC has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FTC -54.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTC and VTI?
FTC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 FTC and VTI?
FTC and VTI share 180 common holdings with a 28.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTC or VTI?
FTC yields 0.18% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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