FDN vs VTI
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund 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 | FDN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.0B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.18% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.65% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.22% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.11% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
FDN vs VTI Performance
First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund (FDN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FDN returned +8.65% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, FDN is up 11.18% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, FDN compounded at +21.22% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.11% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, FDN has the edge at +14.18% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -61.5% for FDN 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDN charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDN currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FDN and VTI share 38 holdings out of 2786 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDN or VTI?
FDN has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDN or VTI?
Over the past year FDN returned +8.65% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FDN annualized +14.18% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDN or VTI?
FDN has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FDN -61.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FDN and VTI?
FDN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDN and VTI?
FDN and VTI share 38 common holdings with a 13.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2786 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDN or VTI?
FDN yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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