FAN vs VTI
First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, FAN or VTI?
Mid Cap Blend against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FAN led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | FAN | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $242M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 108 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +11.76% | +12.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | +27.41%Best | +17.22% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.44% | +20.87%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.00% | +11.86%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 16.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -82.1% | -50.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,593 | $17,514Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2008 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 18, 2008 to Sep 11, 2026 (18.2 years).
FAN 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 covers the 18.2 years both funds cover.
FAN vs VTI Performance
First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FAN returned +27.41% while VTI returned +17.22%. Year to date, FAN is up 11.76% versus a gain of 12.57% for VTI.
Over three years, FAN compounded at +17.44% per year against +20.87% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.00% and +11.86% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +10.35% annualized vs -1.09%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.7% compared with 16.1% 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 -82.1% for FAN and -50.2% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAN 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, FAN currently yields 0.99% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
At least 9.9% of FAN's money is in holdings VTI also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VTI, our book for it covers 90.6% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
FAN and VTI share little of their money.
4 positions in common, counted across the 47 positions we hold weights for in FAN and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 108 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FAN 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, FAN or VTI?
FAN has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $57 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FAN or VTI?
Over the past year FAN returned +27.41% vs +17.22% for VTI, so FAN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), FAN annualized -1.09% vs +10.35% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FAN or VTI?
FAN has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 16.1% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FAN -82.1% vs VTI -50.2%.
Should I hold both FAN and VTI?
FAN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FAN and VTI?
At least 9.9% of FAN's money is in holdings VTI also owns. Our book for VTI is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 4 positions in common, counted across the 47 positions we hold weights for in FAN and 2,787 in VTI.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAN or VTI?
FAN yields 0.99% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than FAN?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FAN led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.