FTXR vs VTI
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FTXR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.98% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.97% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.63% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.77% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.02% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | May 24, 2001 |
FTXR vs VTI Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) 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 FTXR returned +34.63% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, FTXR is up 14.97% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, FTXR compounded at +17.77% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.02% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXR has the edge at +9.27% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.9% 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 -53.4% for FTXR 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXR 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, FTXR currently yields 0.98% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FTXR and VTI share 33 holdings out of 2797 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, FTXR or VTI?
FTXR 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, FTXR or VTI?
Over the past year FTXR returned +34.63% vs +22.35% for VTI, so FTXR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXR annualized +9.27% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXR or VTI?
FTXR has been the more volatile fund at 23.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FTXR -53.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FTXR and VTI?
FTXR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXR and VTI?
FTXR and VTI share 33 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2797 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXR or VTI?
FTXR yields 0.98% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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