FDT vs VTI
First Trust Developed Markets Ex-US AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FDT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDT | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.88% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 312 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +19.34% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.10% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.14% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.11% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
FDT vs VTI Performance
First Trust Developed Markets Ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) 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 FDT returned +34.10% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, FDT is up 19.34% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, FDT compounded at +27.14% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.11% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +5.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 15.3% 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 -48.6% for FDT 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDT charges 0.80% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDT currently yields 2.88% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FDT and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3081 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FDT | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR | 0.00% | 0.04% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDT or VTI?
FDT has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDT or VTI?
Over the past year FDT returned +34.10% vs +22.17% for VTI, so FDT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FDT annualized +5.58% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDT or VTI?
FDT has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FDT -48.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FDT and VTI?
FDT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDT and VTI?
FDT and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3081 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDT or VTI?
FDT yields 2.88% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FDT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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