FDTS vs VTI
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FDTS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDTS | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.87% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 412 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +20.56% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.49% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.46% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.31% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 15, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
FDTS vs VTI Performance
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) 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 FDTS returned +35.49% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, FDTS is up 20.56% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, FDTS compounded at +26.46% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.31% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +7.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDTS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -53.2% for FDTS 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDTS 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, FDTS currently yields 2.87% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FDTS and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3185 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FDTS | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRE | 0.09% | 0.08% | 0.01% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDTS or VTI?
FDTS 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, FDTS or VTI?
Over the past year FDTS returned +35.49% vs +22.17% for VTI, so FDTS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FDTS annualized +7.21% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDTS or VTI?
FDTS has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FDTS -53.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FDTS and VTI?
FDTS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDTS and VTI?
FDTS and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3185 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDTS or VTI?
FDTS yields 2.87% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FDTS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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