DFII vs VTI
FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF 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 | DFII | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $17M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 25.66% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -29.20% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -46.32% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 2, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
DFII vs VTI Performance
FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF (DFII) 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 DFII returned -46.32% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, DFII is down 29.20% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFII has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.5% compared with 15.3% 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 -51.0% for DFII 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFII 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, DFII currently yields 25.66% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFII or VTI?
DFII 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, DFII or VTI?
Over the past year DFII returned -46.32% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DFII annualized -18.15% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFII or VTI?
DFII has been the more volatile fund at 34.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DFII -51.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DFII and VTI?
DFII and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFII or VTI?
DFII yields 25.66% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DFII currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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