FTGS vs VTI
First Trust Growth Strength ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, FTGS or VTI?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGS | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $1.3B | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.08% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 102 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | +7.81% | +12.57%Best |
| 1Y Return | +5.69% | +17.22%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.66% | +20.87%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.86% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -19.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.9 years | $19,076 | $20,761Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 26, 2022 to Sep 11, 2026 (3.9 years).
FTGS vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3.9 years both funds cover.
FTGS vs VTI Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FTGS returned +5.69% while VTI returned +17.22%. Year to date, FTGS is up 7.81% versus a gain of 12.57% for VTI.
Over three years, FTGS compounded at +16.66% per year against +20.87% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +20.60% annualized vs +18.01%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.3% 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 -20.0% for FTGS and -19.3% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS 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, FTGS currently yields 0.08% against 1.03% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
At least 98.1% of FTGS's money is in holdings VTI also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VTI, our book for it covers 90.6% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of FTGS is already inside VTI. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
The two holdings books were reported 63 days apart, FTGS as of Sep 1, 2026 and VTI as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
49 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTGS and 2,787 in VTI, against full books of 102 and 3,543.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTGS | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDANvidia Corp. | 2.08% | 6.32% | 4.24% |
| MSFTMicrosoft Corp 4.100 Feb 06 37 | 2.46% | 3.81% | 1.35% |
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 1.91% | 2.46% | 0.55% |
| LLYEli Lilly & Co. | 1.87% | 1.40% | 0.47% |
| PLTRPalantir Technologies Inc | 2.69% | 0.35% | 2.34% |
| NEMNewmont Corp. | 2.68% | 0.14% | 2.54% |
| NFLXNetflix, Inc. | 2.24% | 0.41% | 1.83% |
| MAMastercard Inc | 2.07% | 0.56% | 1.51% |
| MRVLMarvell Technology Group Ltd | 2.14% | 0.37% | 1.77% |
| COSTCostco Wholesale Corp. | 1.91% | 0.57% | 1.34% |
98.1% of FTGS is already inside VTI.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTGS or VTI?
FTGS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $57 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTGS or VTI?
Over the past year FTGS returned +5.69% vs +17.22% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTGS annualized +18.01% vs +20.60% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTGS or VTI?
FTGS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs VTI -19.3%.
Should I hold both FTGS and VTI?
FTGS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGS and VTI?
At least 98.1% of FTGS's money is in holdings VTI also owns. Our book for VTI is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 49 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTGS and 2,787 in VTI.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or VTI?
FTGS yields 0.08% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than FTGS?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.92. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.