FDLO vs VTI
Fidelity Low Volatility Factor ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDLO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.44% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +10.48% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.79% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.65% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.86% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
FDLO vs VTI Performance
Fidelity Low Volatility Factor ETF (FDLO) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FDLO returned +16.79% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, FDLO is up 10.48% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, FDLO compounded at +14.65% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.86% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FDLO has the edge at +12.30% annualized vs +8.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.4% for FDLO. 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 -34.7% for FDLO 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDLO charges 0.15% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDLO currently yields 1.44% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FDLO and VTI share 113 holdings out of 2795 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDLO or VTI?
FDLO has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDLO or VTI?
Over the past year FDLO returned +16.79% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FDLO annualized +12.30% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDLO or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.4% for FDLO. Worst drawdown: FDLO -34.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FDLO and VTI?
FDLO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FDLO and VTI?
FDLO and VTI share 113 common holdings with a 39.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDLO or VTI?
FDLO yields 1.44% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FDLO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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