FPXE vs VTI
First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF 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 | FPXE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +8.01% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.73% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.02% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.87% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 2, 2018 | May 24, 2001 |
FPXE vs VTI Performance
First Trust IPOX Europe Equity Opportunities ETF (FPXE) 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 FPXE returned +7.73% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, FPXE is up 8.01% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, FPXE compounded at +19.02% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.87% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, FPXE has the edge at +8.46% annualized vs +8.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPXE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -49.5% for FPXE 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPXE charges 0.70% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPXE currently yields 1.46% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FPXE and VTI share 3 holdings out of 2885 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPXE or VTI?
FPXE has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPXE or VTI?
Over the past year FPXE returned +7.73% vs +22.17% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FPXE annualized +8.46% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPXE or VTI?
FPXE has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FPXE -49.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FPXE and VTI?
FPXE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPXE and VTI?
FPXE and VTI share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2885 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPXE or VTI?
FPXE yields 1.46% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FPXE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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