FTHI vs VTI
FTHI vs VTI
First Trust BuyWrite Income 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 | FTHI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.76% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 208 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.48% | +13.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.05% | +24.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.73% | +20.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.22% | +12.24% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
FTHI vs VTI Performance
First Trust BuyWrite Income ETF (FTHI) 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 FTHI returned +13.05% while VTI returned +24.23%. Year to date, FTHI is up 6.48% versus a gain of 13.57% for VTI.
Over three years, FTHI compounded at +13.73% per year against +20.73% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.22% and +12.24% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.12% annualized vs +5.02%. 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 11.5% for FTHI. 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 -35.5% for FTHI 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTHI charges 0.76% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $3 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTHI currently yields 8.76% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTHI and VTI share 123 holdings out of 2828 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTHI | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 8.10% | 5.84% | 2.26% |
| NVDA | 5.63% | 6.32% | 0.69% |
| MSFT | 1.92% | 3.81% | 1.89% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GEV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTHI 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, FTHI or VTI?
FTHI has an expense ratio of 0.76% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTHI or VTI?
Over the past year FTHI returned +13.05% vs +24.23% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTHI annualized +5.02% vs +8.12% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTHI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.5% for FTHI. Worst drawdown: FTHI -35.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTHI and VTI?
FTHI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTHI and VTI?
FTHI and VTI share 123 common holdings with a 43.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2828 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTHI or VTI?
FTHI yields 8.76% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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