DOCT vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October 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 | DOCT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $382M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.36% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.81% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.54% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.00% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 50.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 16, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
DOCT vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (DOCT) 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 DOCT returned +12.81% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, DOCT is up 7.36% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, DOCT compounded at +10.54% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.00% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DOCT has the edge at +24.86% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DOCT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 50.3% 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 -9.9% for DOCT 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 0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DOCT 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, DOCT currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DOCT 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, DOCT or VTI?
DOCT 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, DOCT or VTI?
Over the past year DOCT returned +12.81% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DOCT annualized +24.86% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DOCT or VTI?
DOCT has been the more volatile fund at 50.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DOCT -9.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DOCT and VTI?
DOCT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DOCT and VTI?
DOCT and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DOCT or VTI?
DOCT yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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