FTRI vs VTI
First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FTRI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTRI | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $124M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.09% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.23% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.84% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.43% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.50% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
FTRI vs VTI Performance
First Trust Indxx Global Natural Resources Income ETF (FTRI) 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 FTRI returned +28.84% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, FTRI is up 15.23% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, FTRI compounded at +16.43% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.50% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs -1.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTRI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.1% compared with 15.3% 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 -84.4% for FTRI 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTRI charges 0.70% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTRI currently yields 2.09% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTRI and VTI share 9 holdings out of 2829 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTRI or VTI?
FTRI has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTRI or VTI?
Over the past year FTRI returned +28.84% vs +22.17% for VTI, so FTRI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FTRI annualized -1.43% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTRI or VTI?
FTRI has been the more volatile fund at 27.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FTRI -84.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTRI and VTI?
FTRI and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTRI and VTI?
FTRI and VTI share 9 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2829 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTRI or VTI?
FTRI yields 2.09% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTRI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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