FTXN vs VTI
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FTXN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $160M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.73% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +42.44% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +50.13% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.69% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.07% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
FTXN vs VTI Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) 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 FTXN returned +50.13% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, FTXN is up 42.44% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, FTXN compounded at +13.69% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +25.07% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXN has the edge at +8.77% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.3% 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 -74.4% for FTXN 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXN 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, FTXN currently yields 1.73% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTXN and VTI share 38 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXN or VTI?
FTXN 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, FTXN or VTI?
Over the past year FTXN returned +50.13% vs +21.39% for VTI, so FTXN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXN annualized +8.77% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXN or VTI?
FTXN has been the more volatile fund at 32.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FTXN -74.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTXN and VTI?
FTXN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXN and VTI?
FTXN and VTI share 38 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXN or VTI?
FTXN yields 1.73% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FTXN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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