FCVT vs VTI
First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, FCVT or VTI?
Convertibles against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FCVT led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FCVT | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $99M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.14% | 1.07% |
| Holdings | 251 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +13.93% | +13.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +24.45%Best | +21.44% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.33% | +21.10%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.83% | +11.77%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3%Best | 15.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -32.3%Best | -35.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,660 | $17,443Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Convertible | Equity |
| Style | Convertibles | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2015 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 4, 2015 to Sep 3, 2026 (10.8 years).
FCVT vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 10.8 years both funds cover.
FCVT vs VTI Performance
First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF (FCVT) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FCVT returned +24.45% while VTI returned +21.44%. Year to date, FCVT is up 13.93% versus a gain of 13.95% for VTI.
Over three years, FCVT compounded at +17.33% per year against +21.10% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.83% and +11.77% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +9.38%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 14.3% for FCVT. 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 -32.3% for FCVT and -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCVT charges 0.95% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCVT currently yields 1.14% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 49 holdings in FCVT and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 45.2% and 92.3% of the two funds. Neither is a share of a fund we can divide by, so no overlap percentage is shown here. Within what we can see, 5 positions appear in both.
5 positions in common, counted across the 49 positions we hold weights for in FCVT and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 251 and 3,543.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FCVT | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| WDCWestern Digital Corp Company Guar 11/28 3 | 2.93% | 0.30% | 2.63% |
| LITELumentum Holdings Inc | 1.55% | 0.09% | 1.46% |
| STXSeagate Technology Holdings Plc | 0.45% | 0.30% | 0.15% |
| ARESAres Management Corp Preferred Stock 10/27 6.75 | 0.69% | 0.03% | 0.66% |
| JAZZJazz Investments I Ltd Company Guar 09/30 3.125 | 0.67% | 0.02% | 0.65% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FCVT and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCVT or VTI?
FCVT has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FCVT or VTI?
Over the past year FCVT returned +24.45% vs +21.44% for VTI, so FCVT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), FCVT annualized +9.38% vs +13.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FCVT or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.3% for FCVT. Worst drawdown: FCVT -32.3% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both FCVT and VTI?
FCVT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCVT or VTI?
FCVT yields 1.14% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FCVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than FCVT?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FCVT led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.