DDEC vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December 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 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DDEC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $428M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.85% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.41% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.38% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.44% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
DDEC vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December (DDEC) 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 DDEC returned +13.41% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, DDEC is up 6.85% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, DDEC compounded at +12.38% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.44% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DDEC has the edge at +8.61% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -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 0.89. 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DDEC and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 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, DDEC or VTI?
DDEC has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DDEC or VTI?
Over the past year DDEC returned +13.41% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DDEC annualized +8.61% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DDEC or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.3% for DDEC. Worst drawdown: DDEC -10.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DDEC and VTI?
DDEC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DDEC and VTI?
DDEC and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DDEC or VTI?
DDEC yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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