FMAY vs VTI
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May 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 | FMAY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +7.67% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.27% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.59% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.27% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2020 | May 24, 2001 |
FMAY vs VTI Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY) 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 FMAY returned +12.27% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, FMAY is up 7.67% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, FMAY compounded at +13.59% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.27% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FMAY has the edge at +10.38% annualized vs +8.14%. 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 9.2% for FMAY. 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 -13.6% for FMAY 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMAY charges 0.85% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMAY currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FMAY and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2784 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, FMAY or VTI?
FMAY has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FMAY or VTI?
Over the past year FMAY returned +12.27% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FMAY annualized +10.38% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FMAY or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.2% for FMAY. Worst drawdown: FMAY -13.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FMAY and VTI?
FMAY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FMAY and VTI?
FMAY and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMAY or VTI?
FMAY yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI 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.