FSIG vs VTI
First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF 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 | FSIG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.44% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.80% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 322 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +0.86% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.68% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.19% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
FSIG vs VTI Performance
First Trust Limited Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FSIG) 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 FSIG returned +2.68% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, FSIG is up 0.86% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, FSIG compounded at +5.19% per year against +21.27% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +2.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.2% for FSIG. 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 -6.9% for FSIG 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSIG charges 0.44% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $44 vs $3 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSIG currently yields 4.80% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FSIG and VTI share 0 holdings out of 3010 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, FSIG or VTI?
FSIG has an expense ratio of 0.44% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSIG or VTI?
Over the past year FSIG returned +2.68% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FSIG annualized +2.70% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSIG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.2% for FSIG. Worst drawdown: FSIG -6.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FSIG and VTI?
FSIG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSIG and VTI?
FSIG and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3010 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSIG or VTI?
FSIG yields 4.80% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FSIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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