FCA vs VTI
First Trust China 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 | FCA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $32M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -6.10% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.90% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.32% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.41% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.2% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
FCA vs VTI Performance
First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund (FCA) 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 FCA returned +3.90% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, FCA is down 6.10% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, FCA compounded at +16.32% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.41% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +0.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.2% compared with 15.4% 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 -47.6% for FCA 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCA 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, FCA currently yields 2.86% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FCA and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2837 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, FCA or VTI?
FCA 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, FCA or VTI?
Over the past year FCA returned +3.90% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FCA annualized +0.88% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCA or VTI?
FCA has been the more volatile fund at 25.2% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FCA -47.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FCA and VTI?
FCA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCA and VTI?
FCA and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2837 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCA or VTI?
FCA yields 2.86% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FCA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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