AIRR vs VTI
First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. AIRR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIRR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.61% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.04% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.80% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.89% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
AIRR vs VTI Performance
First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF (AIRR) 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 AIRR returned +29.04% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, AIRR is up 13.61% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, AIRR compounded at +29.80% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +22.89% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, AIRR has the edge at +15.34% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIRR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.2% 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 -42.4% for AIRR 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIRR charges 0.69% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIRR currently yields 0.09% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
AIRR and VTI share 45 holdings out of 2799 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIRR or VTI?
AIRR has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIRR or VTI?
Over the past year AIRR returned +29.04% vs +22.35% for VTI, so AIRR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), AIRR annualized +15.34% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIRR or VTI?
AIRR has been the more volatile fund at 24.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: AIRR -42.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both AIRR and VTI?
AIRR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIRR and VTI?
AIRR and VTI share 45 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIRR or VTI?
AIRR yields 0.09% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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