DDEC vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, DDEC or VTI?
Option Writing against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 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 | DDEC | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $438M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 10 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +7.36% | +12.28%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.49% | +16.78%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.31% | +20.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.54% | +11.94%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3%Best | 15.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -10.2%Best | -25.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,064 | $17,576Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 21, 2020 to Sep 17, 2026 (5.7 years).
DDEC 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 5.7 years both funds cover.
DDEC vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December (DDEC) 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 DDEC returned +11.49% while VTI returned +16.78%. Year to date, DDEC is up 7.36% versus a gain of 12.28% for VTI.
Over three years, DDEC compounded at +12.31% per year against +20.89% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.54% and +11.94% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.81% annualized vs +8.54%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% compared with 6.3% for DDEC. 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 -10.2% for DDEC 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DDEC charges 0.85% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DDEC currently yields 0.00% against 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DDEC and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DDEC or VTI?
DDEC has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $82 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DDEC or VTI?
Over the past year DDEC returned +11.49% vs +16.78% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DDEC annualized +8.54% vs +13.81% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DDEC or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 6.3% for DDEC. Worst drawdown: DDEC -10.2% vs VTI -25.4%.
Should I hold both DDEC and VTI?
DDEC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DDEC or VTI?
DDEC yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than DDEC?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.