FNK vs VTI
First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, FNK or VTI?
Mid Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FNK led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | FNK | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $238M | $689.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.06% |
| Holdings | 453 | 3,542 |
| YTD Return | +14.42%Best | +8.54% |
| 1Y Return | +22.28%Best | +11.14% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.01% | +20.29%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.68% | +9.84%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 14.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -52.1% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,477 | $15,988Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 20, 2011 to Nov 6, 2026 (15.5 years).
FNK 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 15.5 years both funds cover.
FNK vs VTI Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FNK) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FNK returned +22.28% while VTI returned +11.14%. Year to date, FNK is up 14.42% versus a gain of 8.54% for VTI.
Over three years, FNK compounded at +15.01% per year against +20.29% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.68% and +9.84% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +11.82% annualized vs +8.26%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% compared with 14.7% 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 -52.1% for FNK 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNK charges 0.74% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $3 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNK currently yields 1.53% against 1.06% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FNK 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, FNK or VTI?
FNK has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $71 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FNK or VTI?
Over the past year FNK returned +22.28% vs +11.14% for VTI, so FNK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FNK annualized +8.26% vs +11.82% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FNK or VTI?
FNK has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 14.7% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FNK -52.1% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both FNK and VTI?
FNK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNK or VTI?
FNK yields 1.53% while VTI yields 1.06%, so FNK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than FNK?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FNK led over 1Y, VTI over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.