AFGR vs VTI
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, AFGR or VTI?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. VTI is less concentrated, with 33.3% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 47.2%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFGR | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $92M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 74 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +5.24% | +12.28%Best |
| 1Y Return | +2.92% | +16.78%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.62% | +20.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.58% | +11.94%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 15.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -25.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,119 | $17,576Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 47.2% | 33.3%Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 22, 2020 to Sep 17, 2026 (6.2 years).
AFGR vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.2 years both funds cover.
AFGR vs VTI Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFGR returned +2.92% while VTI returned +16.78%. Year to date, AFGR is up 5.24% versus a gain of 12.28% for VTI.
Over three years, AFGR compounded at +20.62% per year against +20.89% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +5.58% and +11.94% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +15.63% annualized vs +10.66%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 15.7% 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 -25.4% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFGR currently yields 0.00% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
96.7% of AFGR's money is in holdings VTI also owns. 46.0% of VTI's money is in holdings AFGR also owns.
Most of AFGR is already inside VTI. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
71 positions in common, counted across the 73 positions we hold weights for in AFGR and 3,463 in VTI, against full books of 74 and 3,543.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 73 and 3,463 positions we hold weights for.
VTI holds 1,079 positions AFGR does not, 51.5% of the fund.
Largest: GOOG 2.31%, JPM 1.31%, XOM 0.89%, WMT 0.68%, ABBV 0.61%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AFGR | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDANvidia Corp | 10.81% | 6.40% | 4.41% |
| GOOGLAlphabet Inc,class A | 10.82% | 2.90% | 7.92% |
| AAPLApple, Inc | 4.22% | 6.29% | 2.07% |
| MSFTMicrosoft Corp | 4.34% | 4.79% | 0.45% |
| AMZNAmazon.Com Inc | 3.56% | 3.65% | 0.09% |
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 3.73% | 2.56% | 1.17% |
| METAMeta Platforms Inc | 3.37% | 1.70% | 1.67% |
| JNJJohnson & Johnson - Common | 2.17% | 0.86% | 1.31% |
| LLYEli Lilly & Co. | 1.64% | 1.35% | 0.29% |
| VVisa Inc Class A | 2.12% | 0.83% | 1.29% |
96.7% of AFGR is already inside VTI.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFGR or VTI?
AFGR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $62 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AFGR or VTI?
Over the past year AFGR returned +2.92% vs +16.78% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), AFGR annualized +10.66% vs +15.63% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AFGR or VTI?
AFGR has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 15.7% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AFGR -46.0% vs VTI -25.4%.
Should I hold both AFGR and VTI?
AFGR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between AFGR and VTI?
96.7% of AFGR's money is in holdings VTI also owns. 46.0% of VTI's is in holdings AFGR also owns. They hold 71 positions in common, counted across the 73 positions we hold weights for in AFGR and 3,463 in VTI.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFGR or VTI?
AFGR yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than AFGR?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.91. VTI is less concentrated, with 33.3% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 47.2%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.