EMLP vs VTI
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund 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 | EMLP | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.76% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.86% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.65% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.69% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.83% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
EMLP vs VTI Performance
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) 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 EMLP returned +20.65% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, EMLP is up 17.86% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, EMLP compounded at +21.69% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +16.83% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +7.28%. 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 15.2% for EMLP. 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 -48.0% for EMLP 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMLP charges 0.95% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMLP currently yields 2.76% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EMLP and VTI share 36 holdings out of 2811 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMLP or VTI?
EMLP has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMLP or VTI?
Over the past year EMLP returned +20.65% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), EMLP annualized +7.28% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMLP or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.2% for EMLP. Worst drawdown: EMLP -48.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EMLP and VTI?
EMLP and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMLP and VTI?
EMLP and VTI share 36 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2811 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMLP or VTI?
EMLP yields 2.76% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EMLP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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