DALI vs VTI
First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI Equity 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 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DALI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $97M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.67% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.84% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.61% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.84% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 14, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
DALI vs VTI Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright DALI Equity ETF (DALI) 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 DALI returned +7.84% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, DALI is up 1.67% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, DALI compounded at +4.61% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.84% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +5.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DALI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 15.4% 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 -36.1% for DALI 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DALI charges 0.90% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $3 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DALI currently yields 0.38% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DALI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DALI or VTI?
DALI has an expense ratio of 0.90% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DALI or VTI?
Over the past year DALI returned +7.84% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DALI annualized +5.51% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DALI or VTI?
DALI has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DALI -36.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DALI and VTI?
DALI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DALI and VTI?
DALI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DALI or VTI?
DALI yields 0.38% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.