FXG vs VTI
First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX 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 | FXG | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $232M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +9.89% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.97% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.14% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.88% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FXG vs VTI Performance
First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) 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 FXG returned +3.97% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, FXG is up 9.89% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, FXG compounded at +4.14% per year against +21.83% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +4.88% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.7% for FXG. 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 -40.0% for FXG 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXG charges 0.63% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $63 vs $3 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXG currently yields 2.37% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FXG and VTI share 34 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXG or VTI?
FXG has an expense ratio of 0.63% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXG or VTI?
Over the past year FXG returned +3.97% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXG annualized +7.03% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXG or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.7% for FXG. Worst drawdown: FXG -40.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FXG and VTI?
FXG and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXG and VTI?
FXG and VTI share 34 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXG or VTI?
FXG yields 2.37% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FXG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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