DVLU vs VTI
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. DVLU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DVLU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $47M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.63% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.71% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.53% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.80% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 5, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
DVLU vs VTI Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Value ETF (DVLU) 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 DVLU returned +38.53% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, DVLU is up 16.71% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, DVLU compounded at +21.36% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.80% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DVLU has the edge at +11.02% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DVLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% compared with 15.4% 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 -53.3% for DVLU 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DVLU charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DVLU currently yields 0.63% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DVLU and VTI share 44 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DVLU or VTI?
DVLU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DVLU or VTI?
Over the past year DVLU returned +38.53% vs +22.39% for VTI, so DVLU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DVLU annualized +11.02% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DVLU or VTI?
DVLU has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DVLU -53.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DVLU and VTI?
DVLU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DVLU and VTI?
DVLU and VTI share 44 common holdings with a 5.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DVLU or VTI?
DVLU yields 0.63% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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