FID vs VTI
First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FID | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $165M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.99% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 85 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.76% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.18% | +23.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.32% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.09% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
FID vs VTI Performance
First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) 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 FID returned +21.18% while VTI returned +23.31%. Year to date, FID is up 12.76% versus a gain of 13.87% for VTI.
Over three years, FID compounded at +19.32% per year against +21.17% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.09% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.13% annualized vs +6.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FID has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -39.8% for FID 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FID charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FID currently yields 3.99% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FID and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2855 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FID | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR | 0.00% | 0.04% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FID or VTI?
FID has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FID or VTI?
Over the past year FID returned +21.18% vs +23.31% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FID annualized +6.46% vs +8.13% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FID or VTI?
FID has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FID -39.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FID and VTI?
FID and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FID and VTI?
FID and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2855 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FID or VTI?
FID yields 3.99% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FID currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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