FNY vs VTI
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FNY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $600M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 226 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.26% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.34% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.99% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.98% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
FNY vs VTI Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FNY) 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 FNY returned +23.34% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, FNY is up 12.26% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, FNY compounded at +18.99% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.98% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FNY has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -38.9% for FNY 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNY charges 0.73% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $3 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNY currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FNY and VTI share 172 holdings out of 2840 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNY or VTI?
FNY has an expense ratio of 0.73% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNY or VTI?
Over the past year FNY returned +23.34% vs +21.39% for VTI, so FNY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FNY annualized +11.46% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNY or VTI?
FNY has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FNY -38.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FNY and VTI?
FNY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 FNY and VTI?
FNY and VTI share 172 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2840 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNY or VTI?
FNY yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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