FTCS vs VTI
FTCS vs VTI
First Trust Capital Strength 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 | FTCS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.11% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.92% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.00% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.02% | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.38% | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
FTCS vs VTI Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) 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 FTCS returned +11.00% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, FTCS is up 8.92% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +11.02% per year against +21.12% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.38% and +12.37% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, FTCS has the edge at +8.75% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -54.1% for FTCS 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $3 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.11% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTCS and VTI share 50 holdings out of 2783 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTCS | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 2.28% | 5.84% | 3.56% |
| MSFT | 1.78% | 3.81% | 2.03% |
| GOOGL | 2.08% | 2.88% | 0.80% |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| V | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MNST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTCS 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, FTCS or VTI?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCS or VTI?
Over the past year FTCS returned +11.00% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FTCS annualized +8.75% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCS or VTI?
FTCS has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FTCS -54.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTCS and VTI?
FTCS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 FTCS and VTI?
FTCS and VTI share 50 common holdings with a 16.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2783 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or VTI?
FTCS yields 1.11% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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