FLN vs VTI
First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $39M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.38% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.30% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.1% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
FLN vs VTI Performance
First Trust Latin America AlphaDEX Fund (FLN) 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 FLN returned +27.27% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, FLN is up 9.30% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, FLN compounded at +13.40% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.04% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +0.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.1% 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 -67.7% for FLN 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLN 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, FLN currently yields 3.38% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FLN and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2838 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, FLN or VTI?
FLN 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, FLN or VTI?
Over the past year FLN returned +27.27% vs +22.43% for VTI, so FLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FLN annualized +0.22% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLN or VTI?
FLN has been the more volatile fund at 26.1% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FLN -67.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FLN and VTI?
FLN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLN and VTI?
FLN and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2838 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLN or VTI?
FLN yields 3.38% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FLN 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.