FPX vs VTI
First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FPX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.48% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.65% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.73% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.22% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.75% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
FPX vs VTI Performance
First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (FPX) 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 FPX returned +25.73% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, FPX is up 11.65% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, FPX compounded at +30.22% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +8.75% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, FPX has the edge at +11.62% annualized vs +8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% 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 -56.4% for FPX 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPX charges 0.57% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $3 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPX currently yields 0.48% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FPX and VTI share 81 holdings out of 2806 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPX or VTI?
FPX has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPX or VTI?
Over the past year FPX returned +25.73% vs +22.17% for VTI, so FPX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FPX annualized +11.62% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPX or VTI?
FPX has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FPX -56.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FPX and VTI?
FPX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPX and VTI?
FPX and VTI share 81 common holdings with a 4.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPX or VTI?
FPX yields 0.48% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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