AFGR vs VTI
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth 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 | AFGR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $91M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.42% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.13% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.60% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.59% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
AFGR vs VTI Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) 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 AFGR returned +9.13% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, AFGR is up 6.42% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, AFGR compounded at +20.60% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.59% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, AFGR has the edge at +11.05% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -46.0% for AFGR 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
AFGR 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, AFGR currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AFGR and VTI share 66 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFGR or VTI?
AFGR 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, AFGR or VTI?
Over the past year AFGR returned +9.13% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), AFGR annualized +11.05% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFGR or VTI?
AFGR has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AFGR -46.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AFGR and VTI?
AFGR 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 AFGR and VTI?
AFGR and VTI share 66 common holdings with a 39.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFGR or VTI?
AFGR yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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