FV vs VTI
First Trust Dorsey Wright Focus 5 ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.53% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.29% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.49% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
FV vs VTI Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright Focus 5 ETF (FV) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FV returned +21.64% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, FV is up 13.79% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, FV compounded at +16.29% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.49% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, FV has the edge at +11.28% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -34.0% for FV 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FV charges 0.89% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $3 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FV currently yields 0.53% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FV and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FV or VTI?
FV has an expense ratio of 0.89% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FV or VTI?
Over the past year FV returned +21.64% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FV annualized +11.28% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FV or VTI?
FV has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FV -34.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FV and VTI?
FV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FV and VTI?
FV and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FV or VTI?
FV yields 0.53% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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