FXN vs VTI
First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. FXN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXN | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $372M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.83% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +34.98% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.21% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.10% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.78% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 24, 2001 |
FXN vs VTI Performance
First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) 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 FXN returned +48.21% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, FXN is up 34.98% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, FXN compounded at +11.10% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +19.78% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +1.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.8% compared with 15.4% 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 -88.6% for FXN 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXN 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, FXN currently yields 1.83% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
FXN and VTI share 33 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXN or VTI?
FXN 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, FXN or VTI?
Over the past year FXN returned +48.21% vs +22.39% for VTI, so FXN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FXN annualized +1.33% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXN or VTI?
FXN has been the more volatile fund at 34.8% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: FXN -88.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both FXN and VTI?
FXN and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXN and VTI?
FXN and VTI share 33 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXN or VTI?
FXN yields 1.83% while VTI yields 1.07%, so FXN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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