FPA vs VTI
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FPA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPA | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $111M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +30.11% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.99% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.16% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.64% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | May 24, 2001 |
FPA vs VTI Performance
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FPA) 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 FPA returned +43.99% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, FPA is up 30.11% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, FPA compounded at +27.16% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.64% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +4.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.1% 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 -55.8% for FPA 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPA charges 0.80% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPA currently yields 3.88% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPA or VTI?
FPA has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPA or VTI?
Over the past year FPA returned +43.99% vs +21.39% for VTI, so FPA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FPA annualized +4.53% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPA or VTI?
FPA has been the more volatile fund at 22.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FPA -55.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FPA and VTI?
FPA and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPA and VTI?
FPA and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2884 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPA or VTI?
FPA yields 3.88% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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