FMHI vs VTI
First Trust Municipal High Income ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMHI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.35% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 736 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +1.31% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.78% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.87% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.23% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | May 24, 2001 |
FMHI vs VTI Performance
First Trust Municipal High Income ETF (FMHI) 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 FMHI returned +6.78% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, FMHI is up 1.31% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, FMHI compounded at +4.87% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.23% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +1.71%. 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 7.2% for FMHI. 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 -18.8% for FMHI 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMHI charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMHI currently yields 4.35% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FMHI and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3275 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, FMHI or VTI?
FMHI has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FMHI or VTI?
Over the past year FMHI returned +6.78% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FMHI annualized +1.71% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FMHI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 7.2% for FMHI. Worst drawdown: FMHI -18.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FMHI and VTI?
FMHI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FMHI and VTI?
FMHI and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3275 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMHI or VTI?
FMHI yields 4.35% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FMHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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