FCTR vs VTI
First Trust Lunt US Factor Rotation 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 | FCTR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $57M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.50% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 163 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.78% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.55% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.52% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.47% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
FCTR vs VTI Performance
First Trust Lunt US Factor Rotation ETF (FCTR) 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 FCTR returned +19.55% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, FCTR is up 11.78% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, FCTR compounded at +17.52% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +3.47% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, FCTR has the edge at +9.82% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -37.1% for FCTR 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCTR charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCTR currently yields 0.50% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FCTR and VTI share 157 holdings out of 2797 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCTR or VTI?
FCTR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FCTR or VTI?
Over the past year FCTR returned +19.55% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FCTR annualized +9.82% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCTR or VTI?
FCTR has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FCTR -37.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FCTR and VTI?
FCTR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCTR and VTI?
FCTR and VTI share 157 common holdings with a 17.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCTR or VTI?
FCTR yields 0.50% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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