FRI vs VTI
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FRI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $202M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.56% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.09% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.61% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.06% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.57% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FRI vs VTI Performance
First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (FRI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FRI returned +21.61% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, FRI is up 17.09% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, FRI compounded at +12.06% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.57% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +3.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FRI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.5% 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 -73.3% for FRI 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FRI charges 0.49% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FRI currently yields 2.56% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FRI and VTI share 98 holdings out of 2813 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FRI or VTI?
FRI has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FRI or VTI?
Over the past year FRI returned +21.61% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FRI annualized +3.19% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FRI or VTI?
FRI has been the more volatile fund at 22.5% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FRI -73.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FRI and VTI?
FRI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FRI and VTI?
FRI and VTI share 98 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2813 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FRI or VTI?
FRI yields 2.56% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FRI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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