FBZ vs VTI
First Trust Brazil AlphaDEX Fund 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 | FBZ | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.73% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +27.43% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.54% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.84% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 79.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
FBZ vs VTI Performance
First Trust Brazil AlphaDEX Fund (FBZ) 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 FBZ returned +6.54% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, FBZ is up 27.43% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, FBZ compounded at +13.18% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.84% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs -0.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FBZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 79.6% 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 -87.5% for FBZ 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FBZ charges 0.80% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FBZ currently yields 3.73% against 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FBZ or VTI?
FBZ has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FBZ or VTI?
Over the past year FBZ returned +6.54% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), FBZ annualized -0.89% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FBZ or VTI?
FBZ has been the more volatile fund at 79.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FBZ -87.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FBZ and VTI?
FBZ and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FBZ or VTI?
FBZ yields 3.73% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FBZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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