DVOL vs VTI
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Low Volatility 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 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DVOL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $74M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.89% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.27% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.25% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.53% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 5, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
DVOL vs VTI Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Low Volatility ETF (DVOL) 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 DVOL returned +9.27% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, DVOL is up 7.89% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, DVOL compounded at +14.25% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.53% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DVOL has the edge at +9.09% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DVOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -38.3% for DVOL 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DVOL 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, DVOL currently yields 0.68% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DVOL and VTI share 43 holdings out of 2790 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DVOL or VTI?
DVOL 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, DVOL or VTI?
Over the past year DVOL returned +9.27% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DVOL annualized +9.09% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DVOL or VTI?
DVOL has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DVOL -38.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DVOL and VTI?
DVOL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DVOL and VTI?
DVOL and VTI share 43 common holdings with a 7.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DVOL or VTI?
DVOL yields 0.68% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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