FTCE vs VTI
First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FTCE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCE | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $87M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.66% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.03% | +13.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.31% | +21.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 2, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
FTCE vs VTI Performance
First Trust New Constructs Core Earnings Leaders ETF (FTCE) 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 FTCE returned +22.31% while VTI returned +21.12%. Year to date, FTCE is up 11.03% versus a gain of 13.38% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 15.0% for FTCE. 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 -18.1% for FTCE 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCE charges 0.60% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCE currently yields 0.66% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTCE and VTI share 96 holdings out of 2791 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCE or VTI?
FTCE has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCE or VTI?
Over the past year FTCE returned +22.31% vs +21.12% for VTI, so FTCE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FTCE annualized +19.94% vs +8.10% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCE or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 15.0% for FTCE. Worst drawdown: FTCE -18.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTCE and VTI?
FTCE and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCE and VTI?
FTCE and VTI share 96 common holdings with a 12.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2791 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCE or VTI?
FTCE yields 0.66% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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