FTXH vs VTI
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FTXH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $989M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +28.12% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +54.03% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.01% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.04% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
FTXH vs VTI Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Pharmaceuticals ETF (FTXH) 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 FTXH returned +54.03% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, FTXH is up 28.12% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, FTXH compounded at +18.01% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.04% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXH has the edge at +8.42% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -32.1% for FTXH 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXH 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, FTXH currently yields 1.09% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTXH and VTI share 39 holdings out of 2797 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXH or VTI?
FTXH 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, FTXH or VTI?
Over the past year FTXH returned +54.03% vs +22.35% for VTI, so FTXH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXH annualized +8.42% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXH or VTI?
FTXH has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FTXH -32.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTXH and VTI?
FTXH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXH and VTI?
FTXH and VTI share 39 common holdings with a 4.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXH or VTI?
FTXH yields 1.09% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTXH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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