FKU vs VTI
First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FKU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FKU | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $38M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.71% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.53% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.93% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.20% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.09% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | May 24, 2001 |
FKU vs VTI Performance
First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund (FKU) 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 FKU returned +23.93% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, FKU is up 13.53% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, FKU compounded at +23.20% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.09% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +5.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FKU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -58.7% for FKU 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FKU 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, FKU currently yields 2.71% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FKU and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2858 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 FKU | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNB | 0.44% | 0.04% | 0.40% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FKU or VTI?
FKU 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, FKU or VTI?
Over the past year FKU returned +23.93% vs +22.39% for VTI, so FKU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FKU annualized +5.88% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FKU or VTI?
FKU has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FKU -58.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FKU and VTI?
FKU and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FKU and VTI?
FKU and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2858 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FKU or VTI?
FKU yields 2.71% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FKU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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