FVD vs VTI
First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FVD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8.3B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 253 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +11.52% | +14.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.30% | +22.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.60% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.49% | +12.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.4% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.1% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2003 | May 24, 2001 |
FVD vs VTI Performance
First Trust Value Line Dividend Index Fund (FVD) 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 FVD returned +13.30% while VTI returned +22.43%. Year to date, FVD is up 11.52% versus a gain of 14.82% for VTI.
Over three years, FVD compounded at +11.60% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +6.49% and +12.34% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 13.4% for FVD. 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 -54.1% for FVD 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FVD charges 0.62% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $3 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FVD currently yields 2.23% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FVD and VTI share 177 holdings out of 2860 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FVD or VTI?
FVD has an expense ratio of 0.62% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FVD or VTI?
Over the past year FVD returned +13.30% vs +22.43% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), FVD annualized +7.11% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FVD or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 13.4% for FVD. Worst drawdown: FVD -54.1% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FVD and VTI?
FVD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FVD and VTI?
FVD and VTI share 177 common holdings with a 16.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2860 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FVD or VTI?
FVD yields 2.23% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FVD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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