FTXL vs VTI
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FTXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +66.35% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +133.73% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.37% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +28.20% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
FTXL vs VTI Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) 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 FTXL returned +133.73% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, FTXL is up 66.35% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, FTXL compounded at +49.37% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +28.20% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXL has the edge at +27.98% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.3% 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 -43.9% for FTXL 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXL 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, FTXL currently yields 0.11% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTXL and VTI share 32 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXL or VTI?
FTXL 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, FTXL or VTI?
Over the past year FTXL returned +133.73% vs +22.35% for VTI, so FTXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXL annualized +27.98% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXL or VTI?
FTXL has been the more volatile fund at 31.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FTXL -43.9% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTXL and VTI?
FTXL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXL and VTI?
FTXL and VTI share 32 common holdings with a 16.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXL or VTI?
FTXL yields 0.11% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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