FGD vs VTI
First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FGD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.04% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +18.25% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.11% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.11% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.30% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.2% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 21, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FGD vs VTI Performance
First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) 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 FGD returned +31.11% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, FGD is up 18.25% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, FGD compounded at +26.11% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.30% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +2.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FGD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -70.2% for FGD 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGD charges 0.55% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGD currently yields 5.04% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FGD and VTI share 16 holdings out of 2870 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGD or VTI?
FGD has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGD or VTI?
Over the past year FGD returned +31.11% vs +22.17% for VTI, so FGD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FGD annualized +2.61% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGD or VTI?
FGD has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FGD -70.2% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FGD and VTI?
FGD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FGD and VTI?
FGD and VTI share 16 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGD or VTI?
FGD yields 5.04% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FGD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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