FLCA vs VTI
Franklin FTSE Canada ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, FLCA or VTI?
Each has led over a different period.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FLCA led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VTI over the full window. VTI is less concentrated, with 33.3% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 43.6%.
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 | FLCA | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $846M | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.68% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 90 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +10.58% | +13.60%Best |
| 1Y Return | +20.88%Best | +18.17% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.62%Best | +23.04% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.58%Best | +12.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 16.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -41.5% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,084Best | $17,734 |
| Top 10 Weight | 43.6% | 33.3%Best |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 6, 2017 to Sep 25, 2026 (8.9 years).
FLCA 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 8.9 years both funds cover.
FLCA vs VTI Performance
Franklin FTSE Canada ETF (FLCA) is an ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLCA returned +20.88% while VTI returned +18.17%. Year to date, FLCA is up 10.58% versus a gain of 13.60% for VTI.
Over three years, FLCA compounded at +23.62% per year against +23.04% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.58% and +12.14% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +10.34%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLCA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 16.7% 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 -41.5% for FLCA 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLCA charges 0.09% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLCA currently yields 1.68% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
1.8% of FLCA's money is in holdings VTI also owns. 0.1% of VTI's money is in holdings FLCA also owns.
FLCA and VTI share little of their money.
2 positions in common, counted across the 86 positions we hold weights for in FLCA and 3,463 in VTI, against full books of 90 and 3,543.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 1,150 positions for VTI that do not appear in our book for FLCA (97.5% of the fund), and 4 for FLCA that do not appear in VTI (1.9%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FLCA 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, FLCA or VTI?
FLCA has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $6 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FLCA or VTI?
Over the past year FLCA returned +20.88% vs +18.17% for VTI, so FLCA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLCA annualized +10.34% vs +13.50% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FLCA or VTI?
FLCA has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 16.7% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FLCA -41.5% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both FLCA and VTI?
FLCA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, 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 FLCA and VTI?
1.8% of FLCA's money is in holdings VTI also owns. 0.1% of VTI's is in holdings FLCA also owns. They hold 2 positions in common, counted across the 86 positions we hold weights for in FLCA and 3,463 in VTI.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLCA or VTI?
FLCA yields 1.68% while VTI yields 1.03%, so FLCA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than FLCA?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FLCA led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VTI over the full window. VTI is less concentrated, with 33.3% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 43.6%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.