FTXG vs VTI
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $18M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.79% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.36% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.27% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.88% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.3% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
FTXG vs VTI Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) 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 FTXG returned +5.36% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, FTXG is up 11.79% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, FTXG compounded at -0.27% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +0.88% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +2.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 14.3% for FTXG. 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 -33.8% for FTXG 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXG 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, FTXG currently yields 2.52% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTXG and VTI share 24 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXG or VTI?
FTXG 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, FTXG or VTI?
Over the past year FTXG returned +5.36% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXG annualized +2.92% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.3% for FTXG. Worst drawdown: FTXG -33.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTXG and VTI?
FTXG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXG and VTI?
FTXG and VTI share 24 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXG or VTI?
FTXG yields 2.52% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTXG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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