ESBG vs VTI
First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, ESBG or VTI?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESBG | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $2M | $690.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 7 | 3,524 |
| YTD Return | -1.74% | +13.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | - | +15.92% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +23.41% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.83% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2025 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Volatility (annualized), Max Drawdown, $10,000 over the window, Top 10 Weight.
ESBG vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
ESBG vs VTI Performance
First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF (ESBG) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, ESBG is down 1.74% versus a gain of 13.35% for VTI.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESBG 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, ESBG currently yields 1.04% against 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of ESBG and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESBG or VTI?
ESBG has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESBG or VTI?
ESBG yields 1.04% while VTI yields 1.03%, so ESBG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than ESBG?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.