FXL vs VTI
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.9B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +26.26% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.85% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.44% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.74% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FXL vs VTI Performance
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) 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 FXL returned +36.85% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, FXL is up 26.26% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, FXL compounded at +24.44% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +11.74% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FXL has the edge at +13.36% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% 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 -61.4% for FXL 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
FXL 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, FXL currently yields 0.00% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FXL and VTI share 97 holdings out of 2800 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXL or VTI?
FXL 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, FXL or VTI?
Over the past year FXL returned +36.85% vs +21.39% for VTI, so FXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXL annualized +13.36% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXL or VTI?
FXL has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FXL -61.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FXL and VTI?
FXL 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 FXL and VTI?
FXL and VTI share 97 common holdings with a 15.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2800 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXL or VTI?
FXL yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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