DJUL vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DJUL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $478M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.38% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.73% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.95% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.15% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
DJUL vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - July (DJUL) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DJUL returned +11.73% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, DJUL is up 7.38% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, DJUL compounded at +13.95% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.15% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DJUL has the edge at +8.91% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 7.6% for DJUL. 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 -12.5% for DJUL 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DJUL 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, DJUL currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DJUL and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 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, DJUL or VTI?
DJUL 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, DJUL or VTI?
Over the past year DJUL returned +11.73% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DJUL annualized +8.91% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DJUL or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.6% for DJUL. Worst drawdown: DJUL -12.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DJUL and VTI?
DJUL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 DJUL and VTI?
DJUL and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DJUL or VTI?
DJUL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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