DLAG vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August 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 | DLAG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.45% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.72% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 19, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
DLAG vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August (DLAG) 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 DLAG returned +9.72% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, DLAG is up 7.45% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -4.2% for DLAG and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DLAG 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, DLAG currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DLAG or VTI?
DLAG 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, DLAG or VTI?
Over the past year DLAG returned +9.72% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, DLAG or VTI?
DLAG yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.