FTGC vs VTI
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FTGC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGC | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 15.26% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +33.63% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.13% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.00% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.28% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
FTGC vs VTI Performance
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC) 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 FTGC returned +45.13% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, FTGC is up 33.63% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, FTGC compounded at +17.00% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +15.28% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +3.46%. 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 13.6% for FTGC. 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 -60.6% for FTGC 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGC charges 0.98% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $3 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGC currently yields 15.26% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTGC and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2789 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, FTGC or VTI?
FTGC has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGC or VTI?
Over the past year FTGC returned +45.13% vs +21.39% for VTI, so FTGC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTGC annualized +3.46% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGC or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for FTGC. Worst drawdown: FTGC -60.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTGC and VTI?
FTGC and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGC and VTI?
FTGC and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGC or VTI?
FTGC yields 15.26% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTGC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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