AFMC vs VTI
First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AFMC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFMC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $205M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 266 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +18.48% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.27% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.15% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.65% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
AFMC vs VTI Performance
First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF (AFMC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFMC returned +26.27% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, AFMC is up 18.48% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, AFMC compounded at +20.15% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.65% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFMC has the edge at +12.32% annualized vs +8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFMC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -42.1% for AFMC 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
AFMC charges 0.68% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $3 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFMC currently yields 0.70% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AFMC and VTI share 205 holdings out of 2844 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFMC or VTI?
AFMC has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFMC or VTI?
Over the past year AFMC returned +26.27% vs +22.17% for VTI, so AFMC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFMC annualized +12.32% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFMC or VTI?
AFMC has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AFMC -42.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AFMC and VTI?
AFMC 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 AFMC and VTI?
AFMC and VTI share 205 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2844 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFMC or VTI?
AFMC yields 0.70% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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