FGM vs VTI
First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, FGM or VTI?
Mid Cap Blend against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FGM led over 3Y, VTI over 1Y, 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 | FGM | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $100M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.07% |
| Holdings | 84 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +2.61% | +13.59%Best |
| 1Y Return | +15.59% | +20.00%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.79%Best | +20.95% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.40% | +11.81%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -53.6% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,402 | $17,474Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 17, 2012 to Sep 4, 2026 (14.5 years).
FGM 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 14.5 years both funds cover.
FGM vs VTI Performance
First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund (FGM) 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 FGM returned +15.59% while VTI returned +20.00%. Year to date, FGM is up 2.61% versus a gain of 13.59% for VTI.
Over three years, FGM compounded at +21.79% per year against +20.95% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.40% and +11.81% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +12.88% annualized vs +6.21%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FGM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% compared with 14.4% 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 -53.6% for FGM 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGM 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, FGM currently yields 1.40% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
At least 1.6% of FGM's money is in holdings VTI also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VTI, our book for it covers 92.3% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
FGM and VTI share little of their money.
1 positions in common, counted across the 40 positions we hold weights for in FGM and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 84 and 3,543.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FGM | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRKMerck & Company Inc | 1.64% | 0.44% | 1.20% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FGM 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, FGM or VTI?
FGM 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, FGM or VTI?
Over the past year FGM returned +15.59% vs +20.00% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FGM annualized +6.21% vs +12.88% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FGM or VTI?
FGM has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FGM -53.6% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both FGM and VTI?
FGM and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FGM and VTI?
At least 1.6% of FGM's money is in holdings VTI also owns. Our book for VTI is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 1 positions in common, counted across the 40 positions we hold weights for in FGM and 2,787 in VTI.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGM or VTI?
FGM yields 1.40% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FGM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than FGM?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FGM led over 3Y, VTI over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.