FEX vs VTI
First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FEX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FEX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 377 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +18.13% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.11% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.81% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.09% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FEX vs VTI Performance
First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FEX) 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 FEX returned +26.11% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, FEX is up 18.13% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, FEX compounded at +19.81% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.09% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FEX has the edge at +8.75% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FEX 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 -59.7% for FEX 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEX charges 0.57% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $3 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FEX currently yields 0.96% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FEX and VTI share 346 holdings out of 2806 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FEX or VTI?
FEX has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FEX or VTI?
Over the past year FEX returned +26.11% vs +22.19% for VTI, so FEX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FEX annualized +8.75% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEX or VTI?
FEX has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FEX -59.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FEX and VTI?
FEX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 FEX and VTI?
FEX and VTI share 346 common holdings with a 32.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEX or VTI?
FEX yields 0.96% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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