FRNW vs VTI
Fidelity Clean Energy ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FRNW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FRNW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $98M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.24% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +5.99% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.38% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.88% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 5, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
FRNW vs VTI Performance
Fidelity Clean Energy ETF (FRNW) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FRNW returned +29.38% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, FRNW is up 5.99% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, FRNW compounded at +9.88% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs -1.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FRNW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.2% 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 -59.4% for FRNW 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FRNW charges 0.39% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FRNW currently yields 1.24% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FRNW and VTI share 11 holdings out of 2827 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FRNW or VTI?
FRNW has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FRNW or VTI?
Over the past year FRNW returned +29.38% vs +22.35% for VTI, so FRNW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FRNW annualized -1.64% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FRNW or VTI?
FRNW has been the more volatile fund at 29.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FRNW -59.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FRNW and VTI?
FRNW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FRNW and VTI?
FRNW and VTI share 11 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2827 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FRNW or VTI?
FRNW yields 1.24% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FRNW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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