FXH vs VTI
First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FXH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.81% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +17.13% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.05% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.88% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.08% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.7% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FXH vs VTI Performance
First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund (FXH) 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 FXH returned +26.05% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, FXH is up 17.13% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, FXH compounded at +9.88% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.08% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FXH has the edge at +10.48% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -43.7% for FXH 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXH charges 0.61% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $3 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXH currently yields 0.81% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FXH and VTI share 62 holdings out of 2798 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXH or VTI?
FXH has an expense ratio of 0.61% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXH or VTI?
Over the past year FXH returned +26.05% vs +21.39% for VTI, so FXH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXH annualized +10.48% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXH or VTI?
FXH has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FXH -43.7% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FXH and VTI?
FXH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXH and VTI?
FXH and VTI share 62 common holdings with a 6.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXH or VTI?
FXH yields 0.81% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.