FIAX vs VTI
Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF 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 | FIAX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $128M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.20% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.12% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.24% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.21% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | XFunds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
FIAX vs VTI Performance
Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX) is a ETF from XFunds and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FIAX returned +3.24% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, FIAX is up 1.12% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, FIAX compounded at +3.21% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +3.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.5% for FIAX. 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 -6.3% for FIAX 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FIAX charges 0.97% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $3 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIAX currently yields 8.20% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FIAX and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2791 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FIAX or VTI?
FIAX has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FIAX or VTI?
Over the past year FIAX returned +3.24% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FIAX annualized +3.03% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FIAX or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.5% for FIAX. Worst drawdown: FIAX -6.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FIAX and VTI?
FIAX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FIAX and VTI?
FIAX and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIAX or VTI?
FIAX yields 8.20% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.