DHDG vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Quarterly 2.5 to 15 Buffer 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 | DHDG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $72M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.17% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.95% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
DHDG vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Quarterly 2.5 to 15 Buffer ETF (DHDG) 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 DHDG returned +15.95% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, DHDG is up 10.17% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 6.6% for DHDG. 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 -8.3% for DHDG 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DHDG 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, DHDG currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DHDG 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, DHDG or VTI?
DHDG 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, DHDG or VTI?
Over the past year DHDG returned +15.95% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DHDG annualized +12.44% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DHDG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 6.6% for DHDG. Worst drawdown: DHDG -8.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DHDG and VTI?
DHDG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 DHDG and VTI?
DHDG and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DHDG or VTI?
DHDG yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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