FBT vs VTI
First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FBT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FBT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +30.44% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +56.54% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.27% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.73% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
FBT vs VTI Performance
First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund (FBT) 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 FBT returned +56.54% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, FBT is up 30.44% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, FBT compounded at +21.27% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.73% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, FBT has the edge at +13.93% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FBT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% compared with 15.3% 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 -40.5% for FBT 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FBT charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FBT currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FBT and VTI share 20 holdings out of 2797 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FBT or VTI?
FBT has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FBT or VTI?
Over the past year FBT returned +56.54% vs +22.35% for VTI, so FBT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FBT annualized +13.93% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FBT or VTI?
FBT has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FBT -40.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FBT and VTI?
FBT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FBT and VTI?
FBT and VTI share 20 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FBT or VTI?
FBT yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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