FEM vs VTI
First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, FEM or VTI?
Each has led over a different period.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FEM 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 | FEM | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $819M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.16% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 172 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +21.05%Best | +12.57% |
| 1Y Return | +26.67%Best | +17.22% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.79% | +20.87%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.32% | +11.86%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 14.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -49.8% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,237 | $17,514Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 19, 2011 to Sep 11, 2026 (15.4 years).
FEM 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 15.4 years both funds cover.
FEM vs VTI Performance
First Trust Emerging Markets AlphaDEX Fund (FEM) 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 FEM returned +26.67% while VTI returned +17.22%. Year to date, FEM is up 21.05% versus a gain of 12.57% for VTI.
Over three years, FEM compounded at +19.79% per year against +20.87% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.32% and +11.86% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +12.31% annualized vs +2.37%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% compared with 14.7% 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 -49.8% for FEM 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 0.69. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEM 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, FEM currently yields 2.16% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 155 holdings in FEM and 2,787 in VTI, totalling 99.1% and 90.6% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 155 positions we hold weights for in FEM and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 172 and 3,543.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FEM 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, FEM or VTI?
FEM has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $77 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FEM or VTI?
Over the past year FEM returned +26.67% vs +17.22% for VTI, so FEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FEM annualized +2.37% vs +12.31% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FEM or VTI?
FEM has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 14.7% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FEM -49.8% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both FEM and VTI?
FEM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, 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, FEM or VTI?
FEM yields 2.16% while VTI yields 1.03%, so FEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than FEM?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FEM 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.