DFEB vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, DFEB or VTI?
Option Writing against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
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 | DFEB | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $444M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 10 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +7.27% | +11.06%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.72% | +15.41%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.88% | +20.48%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.18% | +11.52%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4%Best | 17.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1%Best | -31.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,816 | $17,249Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 24, 2020 to Sep 16, 2026 (6.6 years).
DFEB 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 6.6 years both funds cover.
DFEB vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB) 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 DFEB returned +10.72% while VTI returned +15.41%. Year to date, DFEB is up 7.27% versus a gain of 11.06% for VTI.
Over three years, DFEB compounded at +12.88% per year against +20.48% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.18% and +11.52% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +14.56% annualized vs +8.32%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% compared with 7.4% for DFEB. 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 -14.1% for DFEB and -31.9% 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFEB 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, DFEB currently yields 0.00% against 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFEB 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, DFEB or VTI?
DFEB 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, DFEB or VTI?
Over the past year DFEB returned +10.72% vs +15.41% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), DFEB annualized +8.32% vs +14.56% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFEB or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 7.4% for DFEB. Worst drawdown: DFEB -14.1% vs VTI -31.9%.
Should I hold both DFEB and VTI?
DFEB and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFEB or VTI?
DFEB yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than DFEB?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.