AFSM vs VTI
First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, AFSM or VTI?
Small Cap Blend against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AFSM led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | AFSM | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $137M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.50% | 1.07% |
| Holdings | 670 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +23.12%Best | +13.59% |
| 1Y Return | +24.70%Best | +20.00% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.76% | +20.95%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.75% | +11.81%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 17.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -43.5% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,923 | $17,474Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 4, 2019 to Sep 4, 2026 (6.8 years).
AFSM 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 6.8 years both funds cover.
AFSM vs VTI Performance
First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF (AFSM) 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 AFSM returned +24.70% while VTI returned +20.00%. Year to date, AFSM is up 23.12% versus a gain of 13.59% for VTI.
Over three years, AFSM compounded at +18.76% per year against +20.95% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.75% and +11.81% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +15.10% annualized vs +11.71%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% compared with 17.4% 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 -43.5% for AFSM and -35.0% 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFSM charges 0.75% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFSM currently yields 0.50% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
At least 70.3% of AFSM's money is in holdings VTI also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VTI, our book for it covers 92.3% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of AFSM is already inside VTI. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
245 positions in common, counted across the 333 positions we hold weights for in AFSM and 2,788 in VTI, against full books of 670 and 3,543.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AFSM | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LQDALiquidia Technologies Inc | 0.83% | 0.00% | 0.83% |
| ATLOAmes National Corp | 0.80% | 0.00% | 0.80% |
| LASRNlight | 0.72% | 0.00% | 0.72% |
| SPHRSphere Entertainment Class A | 0.70% | 0.00% | 0.70% |
| CRSCarpenter Technology Corp | 0.64% | 0.04% | 0.60% |
| RIGLRigel Pharmaceuticals Inc | 0.66% | 0.00% | 0.66% |
| TILEInterface | 0.64% | 0.00% | 0.64% |
| BELF.BBel Fuse Inc. (Class B) | 0.63% | 0.00% | 0.63% |
| FIXComfort Systems Usa Inc Common Stock | 0.53% | 0.10% | 0.43% |
| CATYCathay General Bancorp | 0.62% | 0.00% | 0.62% |
70.3% of AFSM 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, AFSM or VTI?
AFSM has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $72 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AFSM or VTI?
Over the past year AFSM returned +24.70% vs +20.00% for VTI, so AFSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFSM annualized +11.71% vs +15.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AFSM or VTI?
AFSM has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 17.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AFSM -43.5% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both AFSM and VTI?
AFSM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between AFSM and VTI?
At least 70.3% of AFSM's money is in holdings VTI also owns. Our book for VTI is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 245 positions in common, counted across the 333 positions we hold weights for in AFSM and 2,788 in VTI.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFSM or VTI?
AFSM yields 0.50% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than AFSM?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AFSM led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.