FGM vs VTI
First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $98M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.50% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.19% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.78% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.46% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
FGM vs VTI Performance
First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund (FGM) 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 FGM returned +11.19% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, FGM is up 1.50% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, FGM compounded at +20.78% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.46% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +6.16%. 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 15.4% 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 -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
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
FGM and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2826 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FGM | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 1.64% | 0.44% | 1.20% |
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGM or VTI?
Over the past year FGM returned +11.19% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FGM annualized +6.16% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGM or VTI?
FGM has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FGM -53.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FGM and VTI?
FGM 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 FGM and VTI?
FGM and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2826 unique securities.
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.
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