EMOT vs VTI
First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF 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 | EMOT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.28% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.97% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
EMOT vs VTI Performance
First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF (EMOT) 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 EMOT returned +17.97% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, EMOT is up 14.28% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 11.3% for EMOT. 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 -16.4% for EMOT 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMOT 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, EMOT currently yields 1.07% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
EMOT and VTI share 48 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMOT or VTI?
EMOT 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, EMOT or VTI?
Over the past year EMOT returned +17.97% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), EMOT annualized +15.99% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMOT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 11.3% for EMOT. Worst drawdown: EMOT -16.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both EMOT and VTI?
EMOT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMOT and VTI?
EMOT and VTI share 48 common holdings with a 24.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMOT or VTI?
EMOT yields 1.07% while VTI yields 1.07%, so EMOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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