FCTE vs VTI
SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend ETF 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 | FCTE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $246M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.08% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.45% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.37% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | 3FourteenSMI | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 2, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
FCTE vs VTI Performance
SMI 3Fourteen Full-Cycle Trend ETF (FCTE) is a ETF from 3FourteenSMI and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FCTE returned +16.37% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, FCTE is up 20.45% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCTE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -19.7% for FCTE 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCTE 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, FCTE currently yields 0.08% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FCTE and VTI share 18 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCTE or VTI?
FCTE 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, FCTE or VTI?
Over the past year FCTE returned +16.37% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FCTE annualized +10.47% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCTE or VTI?
FCTE has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FCTE -19.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FCTE and VTI?
FCTE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCTE and VTI?
FCTE and VTI share 18 common holdings with a 7.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCTE or VTI?
FCTE yields 0.08% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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