FTQI vs VTI
First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTQI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $896M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 183 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.88% | +14.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.19% | +22.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.21% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.99% | +12.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
FTQI vs VTI Performance
First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) 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 FTQI returned +22.19% while VTI returned +22.19%. Year to date, FTQI is up 14.88% versus a gain of 14.22% for VTI.
Over three years, FTQI compounded at +17.21% per year against +21.27% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.99% and +12.23% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +5.22%. 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 10.0% for FTQI. 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 -20.4% for FTQI 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTQI charges 0.76% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $3 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTQI currently yields 11.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTQI and VTI share 134 holdings out of 2824 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTQI or VTI?
FTQI has an expense ratio of 0.76% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTQI or VTI?
Over the past year FTQI returned +22.19% vs +22.19% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTQI annualized +5.22% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTQI or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.0% for FTQI. Worst drawdown: FTQI -20.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTQI and VTI?
FTQI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTQI and VTI?
FTQI and VTI share 134 common holdings with a 39.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2824 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTQI or VTI?
FTQI yields 11.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTQI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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