FAPR vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - April 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 | FAPR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +6.89% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.72% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.73% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
FAPR vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - April (FAPR) 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 FAPR returned +10.72% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, FAPR is up 6.89% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, FAPR compounded at +13.27% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.73% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, FAPR has the edge at +8.98% annualized vs +8.07%. 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 9.1% for FAPR. 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 -16.0% for FAPR 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAPR charges 0.85% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAPR currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FAPR and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAPR or VTI?
FAPR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAPR or VTI?
Over the past year FAPR returned +10.72% vs +21.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FAPR annualized +8.98% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAPR or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.1% for FAPR. Worst drawdown: FAPR -16.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FAPR and VTI?
FAPR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FAPR and VTI?
FAPR and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAPR or VTI?
FAPR yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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