DDIV vs VTI
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DDIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DDIV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $76M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.51% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.12% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.98% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.34% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
DDIV vs VTI Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Dividend ETF (DDIV) 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 DDIV returned +24.12% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, DDIV is up 13.51% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, DDIV compounded at +20.98% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.34% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DDIV has the edge at +10.07% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DDIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -47.5% for DDIV 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DDIV charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DDIV currently yields 1.61% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DDIV and VTI share 45 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DDIV or VTI?
DDIV has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DDIV or VTI?
Over the past year DDIV returned +24.12% vs +22.39% for VTI, so DDIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DDIV annualized +10.07% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DDIV or VTI?
DDIV has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DDIV -47.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DDIV and VTI?
DDIV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DDIV and VTI?
DDIV and VTI share 45 common holdings with a 6.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DDIV or VTI?
DDIV yields 1.61% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DDIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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