DECM vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Max 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 | DECM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $48M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.68% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.85% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
DECM vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - December (DECM) 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 DECM returned +6.85% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, DECM is up 3.68% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 2.6% for DECM. 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 -3.0% for DECM 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DECM 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, DECM currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DECM 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, DECM or VTI?
DECM 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, DECM or VTI?
Over the past year DECM returned +6.85% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DECM annualized +6.32% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DECM or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 2.6% for DECM. Worst drawdown: DECM -3.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DECM and VTI?
DECM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DECM and VTI?
DECM and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DECM or VTI?
DECM yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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