FNK vs VTI
First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund 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 | FNK | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $233M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 226 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +16.07% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.58% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.19% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.31% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
FNK vs VTI Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FNK) 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 FNK returned +21.58% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, FNK is up 16.07% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, FNK compounded at +14.19% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.31% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FNK has the edge at +8.48% annualized vs +8.09%. 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 15.3% 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 -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 0.86. 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 1.43% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FNK and VTI share 159 holdings out of 2853 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNK or VTI?
Over the past year FNK returned +21.58% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FNK annualized +8.48% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNK or VTI?
FNK has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FNK -52.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FNK and VTI?
FNK and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNK and VTI?
FNK and VTI share 159 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2853 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNK or VTI?
FNK yields 1.43% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FNK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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