FTKI vs VTI
FTKI vs VTI
First Trust Small Cap 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 | FTKI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $25M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.53% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 170 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.99% | +14.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.96% | +24.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
FTKI vs VTI Performance
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) 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 FTKI returned +23.96% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, FTKI is up 13.99% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.3% for FTKI. 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 -15.2% for FTKI 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTKI charges 0.85% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTKI currently yields 12.53% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTKI and VTI share 79 holdings out of 2848 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTKI | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETSY | 2.07% | 0.00% | 2.07% |
| MTZ | 1.96% | 0.04% | 1.92% |
| PATH | 1.93% | 0.00% | 1.93% |
| CRDO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SEZL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ANF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CART | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXRH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FCFS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMKR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTKI 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, FTKI or VTI?
FTKI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTKI or VTI?
Over the past year FTKI returned +23.96% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTKI annualized +13.38% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTKI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.3% for FTKI. Worst drawdown: FTKI -15.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTKI and VTI?
FTKI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTKI and VTI?
FTKI and VTI share 79 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2848 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTKI or VTI?
FTKI yields 12.53% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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